Peter Schmeichel believes Liverpool’s best spell at Old Trafford was directly tied to one player’s energy and influence.
The Reds’ 3-2 defeat to Manchester United was another deeply disappointing result, especially given the wider context of competing for third in the Premier League.
Still, there were some positives for Arne Slot to take. The Reds fought back from 2-0 down and were much better after half-time, with Schmeichel explaining that the away side’s performance depended heavily on Dominik Szoboszlai. That has been the story of Liverpool’s season.
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Peter Schmeichel explains how Dominik Szoboszlai decided the game vs Man United
Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s model of consistency this season.
The Hungarian has repeatedly shown up in major moments, from his spectacular free-kick winner against Arsenal to another stunning set-piece against Manchester City. He also scored the late penalty that gave Liverpool a big Champions League win away at Inter.
He was impressive at Old Trafford too.
Liverpool were two goals down at half-time, but Szoboszlai gave them a route back into the game almost immediately after the restart. He pounced after United lost possession and finished calmly to make it 2-1, before Cody Gakpo later brought Liverpool level.
For a spell, Liverpool looked capable of completing the comeback. That was when Szoboszlai was pressing, carrying the ball and driving the team forward with real purpose.
Schmeichel noticed exactly that, saying on The Good, The Bad & The Football: “The thing about Liverpool yesterday was, Szoboszlai was absolutely fantastic for them.
“For as long as he had the energy to do it, they played well, then he started to tire out, and this was a good thing for us. But to come back and do what they did, and I just loved the fact that Kobbie got the goal.”
That feels like a fair reading of the game. Liverpool were good in the second half, and it was Szoboszlai who grabbed the match by the scruff of the neck. His energy changed the rhythm of the contest, even if Mainoo eventually settled it for United with the winning goal.
There are not many Liverpool players who should be truly happy with their season, but Szoboszlai can be one of them.
He has been relentless, and will be massive for this team next year and going forward. Liverpool need more of their biggest stars to match his level.
- READ MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai joins former Liverpool target on elite Premier League list after Man Utd
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