Dominik Szoboszlai has opened up about his growing partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool's midfield, describing an almost instinctive connection between the pair following their Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
Both midfielders were on the scoresheet as Liverpool secured a 2-1 win, with Szoboszlai crediting a mutual understanding that goes beyond verbal communication. "I love to play with Macca. We know each other, without actually talking when you look at someone and he knows what you want to do and I know exactly what he wants to do – I think that helps the team as well," Szoboszlai said.
The comments come at an intriguing time for the two players, whose contract situations at Anfield have diverged sharply. Szoboszlai committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new five-year deal over the summer, while Mac Allister's path forward remains uncertain after he revealed the club had informed him they were not currently in a position to offer him fresh terms.
Despite the contrasting circumstances, Szoboszlai insisted the squad's unity remains strong, framing competition for places as a positive force rather than a source of division. "It's the manager's decision who will play the next games and I think everyone is ready to compete with each other but we have to become a family," he explained, adding his belief that he and Mac Allister could continue to thrive together over time. "We can, we can. The guys play who the manager puts in at the end of the day."
The Hungarian international also turned his attention to Bradley Barcola, who made his first start for Liverpool since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal that could reach £123 million. The winger's performance against Atletico Madrid drew praise from Szoboszlai, who highlighted both his quality and his work rate. "He is a great player, he showed it in Paris," Szoboszlai said. "We need everybody with these qualities. He got tired a little bit, which is normal because he defends and gives everything what we need."
Beyond his on-field contributions, Szoboszlai has taken on added responsibility this season after being named one of Liverpool's vice-captains, alongside goalkeeper Alisson and defender Joe Gomez. The 24-year-old expressed pride at the appointment, noting the rarity of such a role in the club's history and framing it as motivation to develop further as a leader both on and off the pitch.
"It was a nice feeling, a proud moment for me, even though we have three vice-captains there were not so many vice-captains in [the history of] Liverpool FC so I take that, I take the responsibility for that as well," he said. "I'm trying to show it on the pitch every time, off the pitch as well, trying to become even more a leader after last season. That's my plan for the upcoming years."
With Liverpool navigating a busy period across domestic and European competitions, the understanding between Szoboszlai and Mac Allister could prove pivotal to the team's midfield stability, even as questions linger over the Argentine's long-term future at the club. For now, both players appear focused on delivering results together, with their partnership already yielding tangible rewards on the continental stage.
Based on reporting from The Independent.