From midfield maestro to makeshift right-back, Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning versatility has Liverpool buzzing after his match-winning heroics against Arsenal. With a record-breaking free kick and a new role under Arne Slot, is the Hungarian star redefining what it means to be a complete footballer?

Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s dynamic Hungarian midfielder, has long been celebrated for his flair in the number 10 role, but his unexpected transformation into a “part-time” right-back has set Anfield alight. When manager Arne Slot gambled on deploying the 24-year-old in an unfamiliar defensive position, few could have predicted the results: two man-of-the-match performances, a jaw-dropping 32-meter free-kick goal, and a clean sheet against Arsenal. As Liverpool chase Premier League and Champions League glory, Szoboszlai’s adaptability has sparked a tantalizing question: Is he the ultimate modern footballer, capable of reshaping the game in any role?

A Tactical Masterstroke

The decision to reposition Szoboszlai came amid a defensive crisis following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid and injuries to new signing Jeremie Frimpong. With Conor Bradley not yet match-fit and stopgaps like Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez faltering, Slot turned to Szoboszlai for a daunting away clash against Newcastle. The Hungarian didn’t just fill the void—he excelled, delivering a pinpoint pass for Rio Ngumoha’s dramatic winner. Slot’s bold experiment paid off again in the blockbuster showdown with Arsenal, where Szoboszlai retained his right-back role despite Bradley’s return.

Against Arsenal, Szoboszlai was a revelation. His 32-meter free-kick screamer, curling past David Raya in the 83rd minute, secured a 1-0 victory and sent Liverpool top of the Premier League. Beyond the goal, his stats were staggering: 91% pass accuracy (48/53), 3/4 duels won, two successful tackles, and a masterclass in shutting down Gabriel Martinelli. His long-range passes, including a sublime ball to Florian Wirtz, evoked memories of Alexander-Arnold and Steven Gerrard. Liverpool’s first clean sheet since April underscored his defensive discipline, proving he’s more than a flashy midfielder.

Versatility Meets Brilliance

Szoboszlai’s seamless transition to right-back highlights his extraordinary versatility. Signed from RB Leipzig for €70 million in 2023, he was a key cog in Liverpool’s 2024/25 title-winning campaign, dazzling as a number 10 with seven goals and four assists. The arrival of €116 million star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen raised fears he’d be sidelined, but Slot’s tactical ingenuity has unlocked new dimensions in his game. “I’ll play anywhere for the team,” Szoboszlai said post-match, his humility matching his hunger. His ability to press relentlessly, cover defensively, and create offensively—evidenced by five recoveries and a key pass against Arsenal—has made him indispensable.

His rise draws parallels to legends like Gerrard, whose adaptability defined Liverpool’s golden eras. At 24, Szoboszlai’s work rate, with 300+ pressing actions in the Premier League this season, and his technical prowess, like a 90% pass completion rate, make him a coach’s dream. Fans on social media are raving, with one calling him “a Swiss Army knife on the pitch.” But can he sustain this brilliance in a role so far from his natural position?

A Star for the Future

Szoboszlai’s emergence as a right-back isn’t just a stopgap—it’s a statement about his potential to redefine modern football. With Liverpool facing a grueling Champions League League Phase against giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, his versatility could be a game-changer. As the club navigates a post-Alexander-Arnold era, Szoboszlai’s performances suggest he could anchor the right flank long-term, especially with Frimpong’s injury concerns. His third-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, behind Salah and Haaland, hints at a player destined for greatness.

As Liverpool chase a second straight Premier League title and a European crown, Szoboszlai’s story raises a question: Is he the prototype for the next generation of footballers, blending skill, grit, and adaptability? And can he lead Liverpool to glory in multiple roles? With his star rising, the “Hungarian Dynamo” is proving that no position is off-limits—and no challenge too big.