Dominik Szobozslai is the ‘modern day David Beckham’ & Liverpool have landed themselves an Erling Haaland-esque transfer ‘steal’, says Jesse Marsch

The Reds have splashed out £60 million ($75m) on acquiring the obvious potential of exciting Hungarian midfielder Szobozslai. He is already a national hero in his homeland, despite being just 22 years of age, and American coach Marsch – who worked with the hottest of prospects at Red Bull Salzburg – claims to sees comparisons with a Manchester United and England legend.

Marsch has told The Telegraph of Szobozslai: “He is the modern-day David Beckham. When the ball is on his right foot he can put it anywhere he wants. The precision and the pace he can put on the ball is ridiculous. And I say ‘modern day’ because he is more mobile and more dynamic. I was in Budapest on vacation with my family recently and Szobo’s face is everywhere, but he relishes that responsibility. He has known for years this was his path. This is the way it is supposed to go. He is the hope and pride of his nation, seen as ‘the next Puskas’.”

Marsch also worked with a young Haaland in Austria and sees Szobozslai filling a similar talent bracket as the prolific Manchester City striker. He added: “When I took over at Salzburg we had sold nine of 11 starters and it was clear we needed to help Szobo and Erling to establish themselves. Erling exploded and Szobo really picked up on the same work ethic. Erling had a level of determination on another level which meant he would return to the training ground in the afternoon for the cold tub or massage, and was constantly demanding video feedback. Szobo picked up these good habits from Erling and became the same in his attitude. He could never have enough video analysis. He always wanted more feedback and was driven to achieve his potential. Once that clicks and a player has that level of self-evaluation, it feels like the work is done and then the player will go on.

“Liverpool got a steal at £60 million, just like Manchester City got a steal with Erling. Look, they are a different profile of footballer. Erling has the ability to change a game because he can score at will. His pace and power is different to anyone else around. Szobo has an elegance and technical ability to go with a physical package which make him unique. There are not many players with his physical stature who can run as he can with the intelligence. The point is that these two are destined to be two of the best in the world in their positions.”

Szobozslai has figured in both of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures in the 2023-24 campaign and will be hoping to record his first goal and assist for the Reds in the coming weeks – with Jurgen Klopp’s side set to take in a testing trip to Newcastle on Sunday.