Liverpool think their ‘fantastic’ player could be a holding midfielder but he doesn’t want to do it

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The wait is nearly over for Liverpool supporters to get their first live look at their team under Arne Slot.

Having only played one behind closed doors friendly during the summer so far, the Reds have done a good job of keeping the new boss and his tactics under wraps.

But Saturday is very much the coming out party for Slot’s Liverpool. The Reds take on Real Betis in Pittsburgh and expectation is high amongst the fanbase.

From what we’ve been able to see from training videos, Slot has looked very hands-on, as have his new coaching team. There are clearly some new tactical ideas being imparted.

As things are reshuffled a little bit, some of the Liverpool squad may find themselves being asked to play in slightly different positions.

Dominik Szoboszlai reluctant to play deeper

With Liverpool staying out of the transfer market so far, the emphasis for Slot has been on getting the most out of what he already has.

For most players, that will not mean too much. They will have similar roles to what they’ve already been used to under Jurgen Klopp.

But for some, things could change quite significantly. A shift in shape and approach could bring out the best in some, and prove to be bad news for others.

What it may also do is save Liverpool some money in the transfer market. If the new head coach can find a player to fill a role the Reds are a touch short in, it could reduce the need to bring someone else in.

The one position on the pitch where this feeling is perhaps the strongest is in defensive midfield.

Liverpool are currently relying on a slightly ageing Wataru Endo and a very young and injury-riddled Stefan Bajcetic to provide cover as the deepest lying midfielder.

READ MORE: Young Liverpool midfielder could be about to surprise everyone on tour

While fans would like to see a new signing targeted, though, Liverpool are seemingly not quite so convinced it’s needed.

According to The Telegraph, although it seems ‘inconceivable’ that the Reds would not have learned from their failure to buy a top-class No.6 last summer, they do think they have options to cover the position.

Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones are all named as players who have featured there, while it’s also surprisingly claimed that Dominik Szoboszlai is ‘considered capable’ of being a holder.

Despite the feeling that the Hungarian could do it, though, Szoboszlai himself is claimed to be ‘reluctant’ to perform a deeper-lying role.

Will Liverpool sign a defensive midfielder?

For a lot of supporters, a new defensive midfield signing would actually be right at the top of their wish list this summer.

As The Telegraph point out, the lack of an elite No.6 really did cost Liverpool last season.

Arsenal look completely assured having spent big money on Declan Rice, while in Rodri Man City can claim to have the finest in the world in the position.

The Reds did try and go for their own marquee signing to sit in-front of the defence. However, it was too little too late by the time Liverpool tried to sign Moises Caicedo for more than £100m.

If they’ll correct it this summer, only FSG will know. Given the mystery surrounding the rest of the transfer window so far, it wouldn’t be an enormous surprise. Szoboszlai may well be hoping so, anyway.