Liverpool may already have the next Dominik Szoboszlai emerging within their ranks.
Supporters have every reason to dream of a side filled with players cut from the same cloth as the Hungarian midfielder, whose influence has quickly made him a fan favorite.
Years ago, Anfield echoed with calls for a team full of Carraghers. Today, that sentiment could easily be updated to reflect a desire for a team full of Szoboszlais.
In what has otherwise been a challenging and inconsistent season, Liverpool’s number eight has stood out as a rare bright spot.
Week after week, he has delivered performances of real quality, showing not only technical ability but also determination and adaptability. Whether deployed in his natural number eight role, pushed further forward as a number ten, or even filling in at right-back, he continues to perform at a high level without missing a beat.
Given his impact, it’s no surprise that Liverpool’s recruitment strategy is now focused on identifying players with similar qualities. The club is clearly aiming to rebuild its midfield with individuals who can replicate that same energy, versatility, and attacking threat – and trying to do the same at academy level as well by encouraging their own players to be more like Szoboszlai.
Interestingly, there is already one player being closely linked with Liverpool who appears to mirror many of Szoboszlai’s traits. In terms of style, movement, and overall influence on the pitch, he could prove to be a near carbon copy.
Let's us introduce you to Ollie O'Connor. A 17-year-old academy star who has pretty much played everywhere across the midfield over the course of his Liverpool academy career so far.
At times the youngster has even played as a winger which highlights just how versatile he is and again is similar to Szoboszlai who played out-wide for RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg.
However, this season O'Connor has been put in an entirely new role – instead of playing in midfield he's had to play as a right-back.
Sounds familiar?
And well just as Szoboszlai has settled in seamlessly in this right-back role, so has O'Connor who has been a key part of Liverpool's U18 and U19 side this season.
The way he adapted to a new role shows just how good his football IG is. Versatility is always handy, especially for young players because it can mean more minutes in the first-team.
O'Connor has definitely shown he is ready for that kind of challenge, too. And given the shortage of right-backs, he might just be given a chance as well.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, O’Connor admitted he looks up to Szoboszlai the most in the Liverpool team, which probably should not come as a surprise.
"I just like the way he plays and the way he is on the pitch as well," the 17-year-old said. "I feel like he suits my game the most – it's the way I play.
"The way he impacts the team off the ball, I feel like that's the thing I want to do as well, the way I want to play."
Another similarity is that just like Szoboszlai, O'Connor is a free-kick specialist. He's scored a few goals from set-pieces including a brilliant strike against Sunderland last season.
