Liverpool’s new £60million signing Dominik Szoboszlai has taken the number eight shirt beforehand worn with such distinction by Steven Gerrard as the previous captain is one in all his inspirations.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract – topic to a piece allow – after a transfer from Bundesliga aspect RB Leipzig was wrapped up in a few days following the Reds triggering his launch clause on Friday, hours earlier than its expiration.
Szoboszlai will wear the shirt most lately vacated by Naby Keita, who was additionally signed from Leipzig, after his contract expired – however it’s the most well-known number eight to whom the midfielder appears to be like up to.
“After all it’s a terrific number, a whole lot of nice gamers had this number and in addition I’ve a tattoo from Steven Gerrard, what he stated (the quote is ‘Expertise is a divine blessing, however with out unbelievable will and humility, it’s price nothing’) so it was additionally a cause why,” he instructed the membership’s web site.
“After I was a toddler, to be trustworthy I didn’t watch that a lot soccer however after all when it was Champions League or an enormous recreation, I used to be watching Liverpool, the large groups and in addition the large gamers – and he was one of many largest.
“The final three or 4 days went actually lengthy; it was not that straightforward. However at the tip I’m right here, I’m pleased and I can’t wait to get began.”
The Hungary worldwide is the second participant to arrive as a part of a summer season midfield rebuild following the signing of 24-year-old World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35m.
He was considered by Liverpool as a extra viable choice than former goal Mason Mount, in whom they had been with 12 months remaining on his contract however not at the valuation Chelsea placed on him, due to his comparative worth, age, versatility and potential and the relative readability of the deal due to the discharge clause.
The deal was executed so rapidly due to the participant’s keenness to transfer to Anfield and hyperlink up with Jurgen Klopp, of whom he has been a long-time admirer.
“I used to be actually pleased (on listening to of Liverpool’s curiosity) however I stayed calm as a result of I didn’t need to be too pleased (too) early.
“As I stated, I feel in 2020, (Klopp is) top-of-the-line coaches on the earth. How he acts subsequent to the pitch, it’s like he performs with the fellows. I like that basically quite a bit.
“And likewise what he has achieved with this membership can be actually spectacular, so I’m trying ahead to working with him.”
The respect is mutual as Klopp believes Szoboszlai can play an enormous half within the membership’s future.
“We have already got a little bit data of Dominik as an opponent as a result of we had a few actually powerful video games towards Pink Bull Salzburg when he was a participant there and I feel everybody who noticed these fixtures may have realised that even at that stage he was a very fascinating prospect,” stated the Reds boss.
“I’m fairly positive he was nonetheless an adolescent at that point and since then he has made some large strides: shifting to Leipzig, doing actually, very well within the Bundesliga, taking part in for the Hungary nationwide crew after which turning into captain of his nationwide crew at an extremely younger age.
“These are correct positives and that is even earlier than we even take into consideration his qualities as a footballer.
“I can’t say an excessive amount of about them at this stage besides they’re positively the sort which can hopefully deliver a whole lot of enjoyment and in addition assist us to get outcomes.
“From the golf equipment he has been at, the leagues he has performed in and the household he’s a part of, it is rather clear that he has already had an excellent soccer schooling, so our accountability now’s to proceed this schooling with him as a part of the Liverpool household.
“The whole lot about that is excellent news. It is a signing for our current and in addition for our future and the work that has gone into it couldn’t be extra appreciated.”
