“Deserves more credit”- Slot pushes back on Carragher’s criticism of Liverpool starter

If you were to ask anyone who would be the favourites to win the Champions League, Liverpool would be the first name. The Reds are playing at a level beyond this season, have lost only four games, and are on the verge of clinching both the Carabao Cup and the Champions League. On Wednesday night, the 2-0 victory over Newcastle extended the lead of the Premier League leaders to 13 points, with Dominik Szoboszlai having a magnificent showing at Anfield. Arne Slot praised Szoboszlai, stressing that the midfielder does not always get the credit he deserves-and this statement came just a week past when former Liverpool player and now pundit Jamie Carragher criticized him outright.

Dominik Szoboszlai did not have the best start into his debut season since he joined Liverpool from Leipzig. However, with maturity and adapting to the tactical ways of Arne Slot, he is developing into an excellent player, having registered 24 goal contributions in 80 appearances for the Reds-a great number for a midfielder. On Wednesday, Szoboszlai was, besides scoring in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time, fantastic; he earned player of the match award. He did not only contribute offensively; Szoboszlai made four tackles and eight recoveries in yet another tireless display—a performance that earned much admiration from Slot.

The Coach hits back at Carragher

The ever-consistent performances from the Hungarian have not gone unnoticed, thanks to the awareness of fans and manager alike. After the match, Arne Slot pointed out that this midfielder was of immense value to the team all throughout the season. The goal was crucial and deservedly praised, but Slot asserted Szoboszlai’s greatest contribution stems from his tireless work off the ball—recovering second balls, regaining possession, and covering ground for his teammates. The Liverpool manager believes that those are attributes deserving of even more praise than his goals, whilst openly admitting that for an attacking midfielder playing for Liverpool, scoring goals is also a vital component.

The Coach expressed his belief for the 24 year old, speaking in the post game presser

“I think he [Szoboszlai] has been very important for us the whole season,”

“Not always this was seen, but today maybe people talk about his goal, which they should have because it was an important goal and a good goal, but I think what helped the team even more than him scoring was the amount of times he wins the second ball, he wins the ball back for us.”

“He runs for two players. So, that probably deserves even more credit than him scoring a goal. But it’s nice that he starts to score goals as well because that, in the end, is also what you need to do if you are an attacking midfielder that wears the Liverpool shirt.”

This came week after Carragher openly criticized the Hungarian on The Overlap

Slot’s remarks came just weeks after Jamie Carragher criticised Szoboszlai, stating that Liverpool “need more” from the 24-year-old. The former defender admitted he wasn’t the midfielder’s biggest fan, praising his athleticism but questioning his output as a No. 10, highlighting that he had only scored three goals at the time. Since those comments, Szoboszlai’s performances and attacking contributions have noticeably improved. The Hungarian played a key role in both goals during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City last weekend, proving his growing influence on the team.

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While the media continues to push its narrative, only the team and the coach truly understand Szoboszlai’s impact. Playing as if rent is due, the Hungarian has been delivering standout performances week after week. As his form continues to rise, we can only look forward to what he brings next.