Slot can finally axe Szoboszlai by unleashing Liverpool star in a new role

Liverpool face West Ham United today looking to move one step closer to claiming Premier League glory in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm at Anfield.

The Reds need just four wins to claim the title, with the meeting with the Hammers on Merseyside later on providing another opportunity to edge closer to their second title in the last five years.

It’s not the first time Slot’s men have faced Graham Potter’s outfit at Anfield this campaign, claiming a 5-1 victory in the Carabao Cup, hoping to secure a similar result this afternoon.

The side will be looking to return to winning ways after losing 3-2 against Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend, suffering just their second league loss of the Dutchman’s tenure.

If he is to rectify such a result, the manager must drop one player who failed to deliver in West London seven days ago – needing to be dropped as a result of his showing.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s stats for Liverpool against Fulham

Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been a superb player in Liverpool’s success throughout 2024/25, notching a total of seven goals and five assists within his 42 appearances to date.

However, his display against Marco Silva’s side last Sunday was one to forget, arguably producing one of his worst during what’s been a season to remember.

The Hungarian international featured for just 55 minutes before he was replaced, achieving a total of just 34 touches – highlighting the lack of impact he had on proceedings before his withdrawal.

The 24-year-old also only completed 79% of the passes he attempted, unable to make a huge impact within the final third, with his display showcasing why Slot needs to drop him down to the bench today.

Such a decision would give the Dutchman a potential selection headache, but he could hand a start to one player in a slightly unnatural position against the Hammers.

The player could feature in an unnatural role against West Ham

Winger Luis Diaz was brought off the bench during the defeat last weekend, scoring the Reds’ second goal and helping the side get back in the game by halving the deficit.

The Colombian’s display in the second half is deserving of a start against Potter’s men, handing him the opportunity to build on his impressive cameo against the Cottagers.

Such a decision would see Cody Gakpo removed from his natural position off the left-hand side, potentially allowing him to operate in the number ten role behind the striker.

Whilst it’s not his natural role, he could thrive in such a position based on the stats he’s produced within the first team throughout the ongoing campaign.

The Dutchman has registered 1.8 changes per 90, having the ability to create opportunities for other Reds stars within the final third – something which Szoboszlai struggled to do against Silva’s men.

He’s also completed 64% of the dribbles he’s attempted, showcasing his ability to get out of tight spaces – with such a tally undoubtedly aiding his chances of creating opportunities.

Gakpo, who’s been labelled “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has achieved a tally of 2.7 shots per 90 could also see him trouble the goalkeeper from distance, potentially adding to his tally of two league goals scored from outside the box in 2024/25.

Whilst the Hungarian has been the man to operate in such a role this season, with just a few games remaining, Slot could experiment in the upcoming matches – looking for potential solutions ahead of the summer.

Gakpo has the tools to operate in such a role, with such a switch possibly allowing him to get the best out of his skillset and move the side one step closer to league glory in the coming weeks.

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