Sensational Liverpool star given Lionel Messi role for his country
Liverpool's sensational star is now playing in a Lionel Messi role for his country.
There are very few players who are given the freedom to roam in any team. Probably Lionel Messi is one of the few stars in world football, especially in the modern era with its rigid systems and tactics, who has been granted the liberty to play anywhere he wants to play.
For Argentina and Barcelona in his prime, Messi was not bound to a single position. He was able to adapt to the game and pick up the best areas of the pitch, where he was most impactful and devastating to the opposition's defence.
In this free role, Messi was able to lift a World Cup with his country and become one of the best players to ever play the game.
He was simply too good to just hold to one position, that's why all his managers had to unshackle and unleash him.
For Hungary, Dominik Szoboszlai plays a similar role. His performance in his country's 2-0 victory over Armenia was definitely Messi-like in the way he was not really bound to a single position.
Hungary adapted a very fluid - interchanging and adaptable style. This meant that they weren't defined by the 4-2-3-1 formation with which they initially lined up with but rather players played with a level of liberty.
Szoboszlai was the key player in this system. He was given more freedom than the rest of his teammates and like Messi was not really defined to a single position.
He was popping up on the left, right and through the middle and created chances while dictating the game for his national team.
In total, Szoboszlai created the most chances (4) in the game, while also making nine passes into the final third, completing 100% of his dribble attempts and making five recoveries.
His style of play is obviously not the same level as Messi but the role that he's given is very similar to the Argentine.
Szoboszlai is by far and away the most important and best player for Hungary. It makes sense for him to be able to roam and follow the action, whichever side of the pitch that is.
This is why he will drop back and dictate from deep, but he'll also surge forward and cause problems in wide areas. He's simply everywhere for Hungary in the best sense of the way and while this will be a cause for concern for Liverpool's physios given the toll it might take on his body, it's also a reminder of his incredible talent and quality.
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