Liverpool are gearing up for their third Champions League match of the campaign as they face RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening.
The Reds have made a superb start to life back at Europe’s top table, winning both of their opening two games.
Wednesday brings another test, though, as Liverpool head to Germany to take on a Leipzig side who are sitting joint top and unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season.
Die Roten Bullen are by no means strangers to the Reds, of course. Liverpool have done plenty of business with their German counterparts – and their Austrian sister club – over the years.
The most recent of these deals saw Dominik Szoboszlai swap Leipzig for Liverpool back in 2023.
Signed for £60m, Szoboszlai initially sparkled at Anfield. But having gone off the boil since the turn of the year, the Hungarian’s form has been scrutinized of late. Now, his former manager Marco Rose has assessed Szoboszlai’s form ahead of a Champions League reunion.
Marco Rose comments on Dominik Szoboszlai form
Despite his somewhat mixed performances, Szoboszlai has been a key player for Arne Slot this season. The 23-year-old has also started both Champions League games so far, scoring away in Milan.
Nevertheless, Szoboszlai has been told he needs to improve if Liverpool are to seriously challenge for honours this year.
Having managed him for one season at Leipzig, Rose is very familiar with Liverpool’s No.8 and is well placed to comment on how he’s currently doing on Merseyside.
Unsurprisingly, the 48-year-old was asked about Szoboszlai during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
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And while some at Liverpool may have question marks over him, Rose claimed that in his view, Szoboszlai is in ‘great shape’ heading into Wednesday’s match-up.
“Szobo is doing great in Liverpool,” raved the former Borussia Monchengladbach manager, who played under Jurgen Klopp once upon a time at Mainz.
“He maybe needed a bit of time to settle in. Now, he’s affecting games and is an important part of the team. He’s in great shape at the moment. We’re excited to see him tomorrow, but we obviously want to win.”
Will Dominik Szoboszlai start against RB Leipzig?
Szoboszlai appeared to have a great time at Leipzig over his two years at the club, winning back to back DFB Pokal’s and scoring in the 2023 final.
As a result, the Hungary captain will no doubt be champing at the bit to get out on the pitch at his old home on Wednesday.
However, Slot also needs to bear in mind that Szoboszlai has played an awful lot for Liverpool already this season.
Having clocked another 90 minutes against Chelsea on Sunday and with Arsenal to come at the weekend, we’d suggest that the Liverpool head coach may rest Szoboszlai against Leipzig.
The midfielder will no doubt get on the pitch at some stage, but given how Szoboszlai broke down over the Christmas period last season, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him start this one from the bench.
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