Liverpool’s preparations for their crucial Premier League match against Manchester United have been marred by fatigue concerns surrounding midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. After a demanding international break with Hungary, the 23-year-old openly admitted that he is “exhausted”, a statement that could influence how Arne Slot prepares his team for Sunday’s showdown at Anfield.
Szoboszlai reflects on his intense international duty
Few Liverpool players have shouldered as heavy a workload this season as Szoboszlai. The £60million summer signing has been a constant presence under Slot, adapting to multiple roles and maintaining high levels of performance amid tactical adjustments.
However, after a couple of grueling games for Hungary, Szoboszlai has hinted at the toll the schedule is taking. talking to Nemzeti Sportsthe Hungarian captain said:
“I’m proud of this whole team. We fought throughout the game. We started well, there was a slight drop, but we recovered. My goal depended on the fact that I was so tired that I couldn’t go for the short one anymore; I was waiting for the long one to come. I was confident until the end that we would manage to tie.”
His comments underline how demanding the international period has been. While Hungary’s progress in qualifying matches remains a source of pride for the midfielder, physical and mental fatigue has clearly built up.
Fatigue and form: a balancing act for Liverpool
Liverpool’s recent run has been inconsistent, with Slot still fine-tuning his team’s pace and balance. Szoboszlai’s exhaustion could be a cause for concern, given his role as one of the team’s most energetic and creative players.
Despite being one of the standout players since arriving from RB Leipzig, Szoboszlai has been out of position at times. Slot’s tactical flexibility (including experiments with Szoboszlai in wider and even defensive roles) has generated mixed reactions. While its technical quality allows it to adapt, its recent comments suggest that excessive or incorrect use could begin to affect performance levels.
The Hungarian’s physical effort also comes at a crucial moment. Manchester United’s visit to Anfield is a game loaded with pressure and expectations, and Slot will need every ounce of energy from his key players.
Positional dilemma could shape Liverpool’s approach
There is a growing feeling among fans and analysts that Szoboszlai’s best performances come when he is used in his preferred midfield role rather than being pushed into unfamiliar positions. His ability to dictate tempo, link play and advance through midfield makes him an invaluable asset, but only if managed carefully.
Slot now faces a decision: continue tactical experimentation or return Szoboszlai to a role that maximizes his influence while managing his fitness. The Liverpool manager has been open about wanting his team to play with intensity, but the Hungarian’s honesty about his fatigue could prompt a rethink.
Hungarian pride, Liverpool priorities
For Szoboszlai, leading Hungary remains a personal honour, but balancing international duty with Liverpool’s ambitions is becoming increasingly difficult. The midfielder’s commitment is unquestionable, but maintaining that level of effort across multiple competitions is a test even for players of his caliber.
As Liverpool look to regain momentum in the Premier League, securing Szoboszlai’s freshness could prove vital. If managed correctly, his technical brilliance and leadership can once again be decisive in matches of this magnitude.
Arne Slot will know that fatigue, if left unchecked, can quickly translate into a decline in production, something Liverpool cannot afford as they bid to keep pace with their title rivals. Therefore, Sunday’s team selection could reveal a lot about the coach’s priorities and Szoboszlai’s willingness to perform once again on the biggest stage.