Dominik Soboslai has started in both of Liverpool's Premier League games this season. Photo: Getty Images/Andrew Powell
In Hungary, Dominik Soboszlaj is called the «new Puskas». In Germany, his playing style has been compared to Portuguese legend Rui Costa.
His former manager Jesse Marsh, another superstar comes to mind when evaluating a new Liverpool player.
«He is a modern-day David Beckham,” says Marsh, talking long and enthusiastically about his talent.
“When the ball is on his right foot, he can put it where he wants. The accuracy and speed with which he handles the ball is simply ridiculous. And I say «modern» because he's more mobile and dynamic.»
The comparison to Beckham extends beyond the pitch: Soboslai's photogenic image ensures that every move and word is subjected to forensic examination in his homeland . Joining one of the biggest and most talked about clubs in the world will become even more obvious.
Soboszlay's first two games at Anfield caused a column a few inches outside of Budapest's sports pages. One publication, Magyar Nemzet, dedicated an 800-word politically motivated editorial to its 22-year-old hero, who was «forced» to kneel before the first match against Chelsea out of fear that he would be «forced to leave the team.»
This reflects how Soboslai unwittingly turns out to be as much an ambassador and a symbol of his country as an athlete.
“Recently I was in Budapest on holiday with my family and Sobo's face is everywhere, but he enjoys this responsibility. ' says Marsh. “He has known for years that this is his way. That's the way it should be. He is the hope and pride of his nation and is considered «the next Puskas».
«The vision of him was always clear when he spoke to his father and agent at a young age.»
Soboslay worked closely with Jesse Marsh at RB Salzburg. Photo: Getty Images/Alejandro Rios «He exploded and everyone knew how well he was going to play.» be'
Sobossl was 17 years old when he joined the Red Bull empire. His journey began in his hometown of Szekesfehérvár, where his footballer father Zsolt devoted himself to honing his son's tight control with golf balls.
Former Leeds United manager Marsh took over at RB Salzburg shortly after Soboslai's debut and later took over at RB Leipzig. He willingly takes on the role of chairman and CEO of the midfielder's fan club, remembering well the moment when he felt the “click” and it became clear that the rich potential would be realized.
In the spring of 2020, Erling Haaland had just been sold by Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund and the season was in jeopardy with the loss of a star striker, form and fans as Covid-19 brought empty stadiums.
Given that forced the break was over and his team was chasing him for the title, Marsh had a plan.
“We had a team meeting and I put Sobo in front of everyone and said, ‘This is your time now. You are ready to lead this team,” says Marsh.
“He did just that. The next day he scored the first goal in the Austrian Cup final, which we won 5-0. Then we swept through the rest of the league. We won 7:2 at the Rapid in Vienna. They have never conceded seven goals at home in their 120-year history, but Sobo once again scored one and provided two or three assists. He returned from a break in incredible form. That's when he exploded and everyone knew how good he was going to be. We knew he was destined to be a superstar.»
«His arrogance is not selfish»
It didn't take long for the Hungarian to make his mark at Anfield. The Man of the Match on his debut at home against Bournemouth showed the confidence and leadership that made him captain Hungary, demanding possession and leading the attack with and without the ball.
Soboslai's exhibitions are widely covered in the Hungarian media. Photo: Getty Images/John Powell
For those who have worked closely with him, these are familiar traits.
“Usually when you have a young player who is more of an extrovert than an introvert, that he's a bit arrogant,» says Marsh.
“But for footballers, that 'arrogance' can be a good thing that you can encourage in it. Look, Sobo was a little like that. To know the potential of a young player, it is very important to know what his personality is.
«The beauty of Sobo and Erling [Haaland] is that their arrogance is not selfish.»
«What do you have with these guys there is a desire to be the hardest working employee in the club. When I heard that Dominic killed him on a lactose test at Liverpool in pre-season, I thought, «That's it.»
“Sobo loves being part of a team. He enjoys being with teammates. He loves to laugh. He loves to train. He will train every day to participate in any group activities. He loves to compete and loves football, but he also loves the feeling of achieving success with others.
“Both Sobo and Erling were fearless from the start. They developed a good friendship as they wanted to perform on the big stage. They knew they belonged to this place. We had a lot of experienced players, but they quickly became the cornerstone of what we could achieve.
“If you coach talented young players, you laugh at the idea that 18 is not enough. The Red Bull way is to believe in young players. If you want a brave player, you need to be brave as a manager and choose him. With the belief that they will live up to these expectations.”
Liverpool stole £60m”
Soboschlai and Haaland may now be club rivals but Liverpool are indebted to the Manchester City striker, Marsh testifies to the Norwegian's positive influence. The coach's observation that Sobozhsay was «as talented as Haaland» was mentioned in every article announcing the takeover of Liverpool. He supports it.
«When I took over at Salzburg, we sold nine out of 11 starting players, and it became clear that we needed to help Sobo and Erling establish themselves,» Marsh told Telegraph Sport.
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Haaland and Soboschlai played together in Salzburg. Photo: Getty Images/David Geiregger
“Erling blew up and Sobo really captured 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 a cold bath or massage, and constantly demanded video feedback. Sobo took over these good habits from Erling and became the same in his attitude. He never lacked video analysis. He always wanted more feedback and strived to fulfill his potential. Once this happens and the player reaches that level of self-esteem, it feels like the job is done and the player keeps moving on.
Liverpool stole £60m, and so did Manchester City. stole from Erling. Listen, these are football players of a different profile. Erling has the ability to change the game because he can score at will. His pace and strength are different from everyone else. Sobo has an elegance and technical ability that goes hand in hand with his physical appearance, making him unique. Not many players with his physical stature can run as well as he can with intelligence.
“The fact is that these two are destined to be the two best in the world in their positions.”< /p>< p>Sunday's rivals, Newcastle, were among those who were supposed to be following Soboschlay before Liverpool made their move. The first signs are that he's a fit.
«I watched both Liverpool games and he was the best player for me,» Marsh says. “This is the perfect club for him. Liverpool and Jürgen [Klopp] were very smart to take him.»
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