The Emergence of Dominik Szoboszlai: The “Next Puskas”?
Intelligent, agile, hungry, and creative, Hungarian attacking midfielder Dominik Szboszlai (so-BOSS-lie) is quickly becoming one of elite European football’s most sought-after young talents. The next prospective star in a long line of renowned current and former Red Bull Salzburg members, transfer rumors have begun to swirl about the 20-year-old’s future as his €25 million release clause is set to expire at the end of December.
While English Premier League side Arsenal and Italian Serie A side AC Milan allegedly expressed interest in completing a sale, it is seeming increasingly likely that the attacker will end up at German Bundesliga club and conglomerate partner Red Bull Leipzig. Such a move is not unique between clubs owned by the energy drinks giant, and is often done for developmental purposes — players such as Peter Gulacsi, Dayot Upamecano, and Konrad Laimer all made the same move early in their careers, and have since become stars for Leipzig.
Szoboszlai has also already begun to make an impact at the international level. He currently has 12 caps for the Hungarian men’s national team, and recently cemented himself in Hungarian footballing history with a glorious last-second UEFA Nations League goal against Iceland to ensure the Magyars a place in the Euro 2020 tournament. His club and international contributions have already led to fans, commentators, and even German legend Lothar Matthaus to regard him as the “next Ferenc Puskas.” Matthaus, who once coached Hungary, also compared Szoboszlai to current marquee German talent Kai Havertz, before asserting that “Every top club in Europe has [Szoboszlai] on their list.”
Beyond a singular spectacular shot, however, Szoboszlai’s immense work rate, ball-skills, and passing vision make him an exceptionally versatile and well-rounded workhorse of a player. His ability to play on the left or in central midfield allows his craftiness to shine all over the pitch, evidenced by his 77% pass completion rate and 4 assists in just 10 league competitions. Additionally, his sharp eye for goal was proven in his debut campaign with Liefering in the Austrian Second League, during which he bagged 16 goals.
Undoubtedly, his defensive ability leaves a bit to be desired, though his age and potential for development into a crucial number 10 and stalwart on both sides of the ball bring many future evolutionary opportunities. Wherever Szoboszlai eventually goes this upcoming transfer window, he will remain an incredibly exciting young player to watch in world football.
