Man of the Match: Szoboszlai Carries Liverpool Again in Old Trafford Defeat

There is a growing reality at Liverpool — one that becomes clearer with every passing week. Szoboszlai is not just the team’s best player; he is its lifeline. And that is not sustainable.

Time and again, he is asked to do everything. Press, create, score, lead. He covers ground others do not. He shows urgency that others lack. He imposes himself on games in a way that very few in this squad currently can.

Take him out of this side, and the collapse is far worse.

This is not an exaggeration. Without his goal and assist, Liverpool are not clawing their way back into the match — they are being swept aside. Four or five goals conceded would not have flattered the opposition given how open, disjointed, and poorly structured this team continues to be.

And that brings the focus back to the manager.

Slot’s Liverpool does not look coached. They look improvised. Distances are wrong, pressing is inconsistent, and attacking patterns rely far too heavily on moments rather than method. In that chaos, Szoboszlai thrives purely because of his individual quality — not because of the system around him.

That should concern everyone.

While the Hungarian looks destined to walk away with Liverpool’s Player of the Year award, it comes with an uncomfortable truth. He is excelling despite the structure, not because of it.

And unless that changes, Liverpool will continue to rely on brilliance just to stay competitive — a dangerous way to exist for a club that should be setting standards, not chasing games.