Liverpool and Hungary midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has opened up about his new five-year contract, his preferred position, growing leadership role and first impressions of new head coach Andoni Iraola in an exclusive interview with club legend Steven Gerrard for TNT Sports.

Szoboszlai wants to keep improving

The Hungarian captain has committed his long-term future to Liverpool, saying he wanted to make clear how much the club means to him. “I always want to be better than I was in the previous season,” Szoboszlai said. Despite scoring and assisting in double figures last season, he insists there is still room for improvement.

“I want to be even better,” he added, although he declined to reveal any specific targets for goals or assists.

His favourite position is in midfield

Szoboszlai has played in several positions since arriving at Anfield, including right-back, but made it clear where he feels most comfortable.

“Eight or ten,” he said when Gerrard asked where he would place him to cause the most danger. The midfielder particularly enjoys the box-to-box role, where he can help build attacks, play long passes, arrive in the penalty area and shoot from distance. He also revealed that Iraola has already told him he will not be used as a regular right-back.

“If he needs me in that position, of course I am available,” Szoboszlai said, while admitting that the right-sided number seven role is the position he likes least. That led to a humorous exchange with Gerrard. Asked whether the two could have played together, Szoboszlai jokingly said he would take the number 10 role, while Gerrard would have to play at number two – right-back. Ironically, the Liverpool legend started his first team career as a right-back, then moved to the centre of the midfield.

Growing into a Liverpool leader

Now entering his fourth season at Liverpool, Szoboszlai has become one of the squad’s more experienced players and has taken on a greater leadership role. He explained that he does not necessarily see himself as the loudest voice in the dressing room, with players such as Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Alisson Becker more naturally suited to that role. Instead, Szoboszlai wants to lead through his performances.

“I try to give my best every day, in every match and every training session,” he said.

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Szoboszlai welcomes Iraola’s intensity

The Hungarian is also enthusiastic about Iraola’s football philosophy, describing the new manager’s approach as direct and intense. Szoboszlai had spoken to fellow Hungarian Milos Kerkez, who worked with Iraola at Bournemouth, about what to expect.

“I want us not to be afraid of anyone,” Szoboszlai said. “They should be paying much more attention to what we are doing.” He also highlighted his appreciation for combination football and praised the quality and versatility of Liverpool’s midfielders, singling out Alexis Mac Allister as the player who performs most consistently in training.

Tricky questions at the end

Finally, Gerrard tested Szoboszlai’s confidence by asking whether he would beat Van Dijk in a one-on-one duel. “Yes,” came the immediate answer, but Gerrard was unconvinced. Szoboszlai simply replied: “He is sure of it too…”

For the Hungarian midfielder, however, the message behind the jokes is serious: he believes Liverpool have the quality, intensity and ambition to achieve something special.

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