After the final whistle of Liverpool's 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad, Dominik Szoboszlai fell to the ground exhausted. The Hungarian has had one of the best individual performances of the Premier League season this year.
Szoboszlai was involved in both goals for Liverpool, assisting Mohamed Salah to score before receiving the ball from the Egyptian and firing a powerful shot past goalkeeper Ederson. It was also the midfielder's 6th goal in all competitions this season.
While Szoboszlai's excellent attack has given Liverpool a goal, it was the midfielder's enthusiasm that has helped The Kop maintain the lead. When asked after the match about the fans' shouts "we will win the tournament", Szoboszlai told Sky Sports: "I don't hear, I'm too tired".
Szoboszlai's relentless efforts were clearly demonstrated at the Etihad, where he ran 11.5km - more than any other player on the pitch. For comparison, Kevin De Bruyne - who has been the hitter of Man City's midfield for nearly a decade, has only run 8.1 km. Meanwhile, Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush ran 9.3 km and 8.4 km respectively.
The match between Liverpool and Man City was the fourth match of The Kop in just 12 days, with Szoboszlai being one of two players (along with captain Virgil van Dijk) to play every full minute. With that, it is no surprise that the Hungarian international feels tired.
Liverpool have only had 33.9% possession against Man City - their lowest rate in a Premier League win since the 2003-2004 season. With that in mind, the importance of Szoboszlai's performance cannot be exaggerated. However, there is still a sense that the midfielder has not reached his full potential.
With the remaining 3 months of the season, both Szoboszlai and his teammates cannot afford to celebrate right now. However, if Szoboszlai truly becomes the first Hungarian player to win the Premier League, it will be another notable chapter in his increasingly extraordinary career.
Arne Slot's side are now firmly at the top of the table, 11 points behind Arsenal. Of course, they have played one more game than the Gunners.
If Liverpool win the Premier League this season, people like Salah and Van Dijk will deserve a lot of praise. For Szoboszlai, although not the center, he will strengthen his position as one of Slot's most important links.
"Liverpool need to continue to maintain their form. The next match against Newcastle will not be easy, as well as the remaining 11 matches of this season. The difficulties will not stop and Liverpool need to stay calm to continue their journey to conquer the throne. I hope the whole team can finish the season in the top position" - Szoboszlai said.
