Liverpool players once again endured a bit of a mixed bag in terms of international results on Friday.
Six more Reds turned out for their nations as they embarked on a second pause of the campaign to club football.
One of those in action was Dominik Szoboszlai, who faced three of his Liverpool teammates during Hungary’s game against the Netherlands.
It was an eventful match in Budapest, with Virgil van Dijk sent off and Cody Gakpo claiming a last-gasp equalising assist for Denzel Dumfries. 1-1 it finished.
While Van Dijk will head back to Liverpool following his red card, though, Szoboszlai will once again captain his country as they face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday.
Hungary manager Marco Rossi is one of Szoboszlai’s biggest fans. But after seeing his team draw with the Netherlands, the Italian coach admitted that he has no interest in watching his captain play for Liverpool.
Marco Rossi not interested in Liverpool visit
Szoboszlai has had a decent second season at Liverpool so far. While we are still yet to see the 23-year-old really explode in an attacking sense, he is getting through plenty of work in every game.
Szoboszlai was seen laughing with Ryan Gravenberch before Hungary’s clash with the Netherlands and between them those two have made up two thirds of an excellent Liverpool midfield.
Naturally, Szoboszlai has continued to be a big player for his country and looks set to captain them for some time yet.
And speaking via Nemzeti Sport after Friday’s game, Rossi suggested that he does not need to watch the Liverpool No.8 for his club because he already knows that he’s going to pick him regardless.
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“Some people say I invite a player because I’m in love with him, but no,” said the Italian.
“I send an invitation to a player because he deserves it, like Attila Fiola. I didn’t think he could come back to this level so soon. That’s why I go to NB I [Hungarian top division] games to see the players.
“Because of Dominik Szoboszlai, I don’t go to Liverpool to watch against Manchester City or not, because that wouldn’t make any sense.”
Marco Rossi should keep an eye on Liverpool
Although Szoboszlai is clearly an important player for Hungary, you do have to wonder a little about this suggestion from the manager.
While there is little question of the former RB Leipzig man being dropped, perhaps it would do Szoboszlai good to know that he has the pressure of his national team boss in the stands at Anfield.
At times, the Liverpool midfielder looks incredibly complacent in his performances. If Rossi were to come to watch him live, it may just send the message that all is not taken for granted.
It would also perhaps give an incentive to Szoboszlai to up his game every once in a while if he knows the 60-year-old is going to be around.
Obviously, Szoboszlai deserves the captaincy of his country and he has been far more good than bad for Liverpool this season. But Rossi’s remarks only add weight to the feeling the the Reds man could be doing more to really maximise his potential. It is all a little too easy for Dom.
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