Dominik Szoboszlai responded to criticism of his recent performance by producing a spectacular goal in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Tottenham, while insisting that difficult games are simply part of football.
The Hungary captain had faced scrutiny after Liverpool’s below-par display against Fulham on Saturday.
He responded in emphatic fashion against Spurs, scoring a long-range effort that quickly emerged as one of the early contenders for goal of the season.
The Liverpool vice-captain then celebrated by placing a finger in his ear, prompting speculation that the gesture was aimed at those who had questioned his performance.
Liverpool Midfielder Says Celebration Was Personal
Szoboszlai played down suggestions that his celebration was directed at his critics.
Asked about the gesture, he said it was “just for myself” but explained that the goal was also dedicated to the people who had continued to support him.
“You know this goal was for the people who are always next to me,” Szoboszlai said.
The 25-year-old also stressed that footballers cannot be expected to perform at their highest level in every match.
“Because we are also humans so we can have bad games, we can have bad days,” he said.
“Never ever was there a player who played every game of his life well, so there will be days also and games where I am going to play bad.”
Szoboszlai Gives Blunt Response to Criticism Question
When asked directly about the criticism he had received following the Fulham match, Szoboszlai responded with a touch of sarcasm.
“Was there criticism? I didn’t know, I didn’t see but thanks for telling me,” he said.
Rather than dwelling on the discussion surrounding his previous performance, the midfielder focused on the response he delivered against Tottenham.
“I think the most important is the reaction, so I think I reacted quite well today,” he added.
Liverpool Star Points to Title-Winning Season
Szoboszlai also drew on Liverpool’s previous Premier League title campaign to underline his belief that occasional poor performances are unavoidable over a long season.
“As I say, we are also humans, there will be games where we are maybe not at our top level,” he said.
“When we won the league there were also games where we weren’t at the top of our game.”
Liverpool eventually secured the Premier League title with four matches still remaining that season, despite having produced performances that did not always meet their highest standards.
“But at the end of the day we had the Premier League title in our hands, four games before the end of the season,” Szoboszlai said.
He added that the campaign was long and that the focus had to remain on continuing to perform rather than dwelling on previous matches.
Midfielder Embraces Liverpool’s Tactical Flexibility
Szoboszlai has been used in several positions this season, including roles across midfield as Liverpool manage different tactical demands.
Asked about his preferred position within a midfield structure featuring a No. 6, No. 8 and No. 10, the Hungarian made it clear that his priority was simply to play.
“No, I just want to be on the pitch,” he said.
He acknowledged that his effectiveness in a particular role can vary from one match to another.
“Maybe I am not at the best in the 6 position because I win one of the 10 duels, maybe next the game I am going to win eight out of 10, so I am then a good 6?” he said.
Szoboszlai Stresses Importance of Moving Forward
For Szoboszlai, the key issue is not whether Liverpool or an individual player produces a perfect performance every time, but how quickly the team responds when things do not go according to plan.
“So it’s always about balance,” he said.
“There will be games where we are not playing at our best as a team, as personally I or somebody else, but trust me it is always leaving the past and then the next one, the next one, the reaction is what matters.”
The Tottenham performance provided Szoboszlai with an immediate opportunity to demonstrate that response, following the criticism surrounding his display against Fulham.
