Carragher and Sturridge question Szoboszlai’s Liverpool midfield role

Jamie Carragher and Daniel Sturridge have questioned Dominik Szoboszlai's suitability for Liverpool's deeper midfield role under Andoni Iraola.

Despite Sunday's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, both former Reds players believe the Hungarian's positioning can leave Liverpool vulnerable defensively.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher questioned whether Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister provide sufficient defensive balance.

"You've got Szoboszlai there and Mac Allister — again, individually, two really good players, talented players, but do they work as a partnership in there?" Carragher asked.

He believes Liverpool need someone who recognises danger and protects the defence when teammates advance.

Carragher identified Trey Nyoni as a possible solution.

"Trey Nyoni really is the only midfield player Liverpool have right now who almost sees danger, stays in that position, stays in the middle of the pitch, and can actually play there as well," he explained.

Sturridge believes Szoboszlai can adapt by becoming more selective about when to press opponents.

"I think it's about, in his mind, managing how much he presses and when to go, as opposed to just pressing for pressing's sake," Sturridge said.

The former Liverpool striker wants the midfielder to balance attacking aggression with positional discipline.

"It's about him understanding 'okay, I'm going to play those passes in between the lines, I am going to press, I have that intent,'" he explained.

"But I need to see a bit more of a smart way of pressing from him as well."

Szoboszlai started alongside Mac Allister against Palace, providing the delivery for the Argentine's opening goal before Nyoni replaced him in the 69th minute.

Ryan Gravenberch was unavailable because of a heel injury, limiting Iraola's midfield options.

The Liverpool manager also revealed that Szoboszlai had suffered a knee problem during the match, leaving his availability for Hungary uncertain.

Iraola must assess Szoboszlai's fitness and Liverpool's midfield balance before Manchester United visit Anfield after the international break.