Szoboszlai sends Liverpool warning as Arsenal title battle takes shape

Dominik Szoboszlai believes Liverpool must rediscover the relentless intensity that previously made them champions if they are to overcome Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

The Reds have already dropped points against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest this season, and Szoboszlai believes their performances have lacked some of the aggression and tempo that characterised their best football.

Now working under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool are attempting to establish a more direct and intense style.

Szoboszlai believes Liverpool already possess enough individual quality to compete for the title. The challenge is matching that ability with greater intensity.

“I think it has to change,” Szoboszlai told TNT Sports. “This is what we missed last season.”

“If we can bring this intensity back, that we want it more than the others, we have the quality. And this, together, no one can stop us.”

The midfielder pointed towards Liverpool’s 2024/25 title-winning campaign under Arne Slot as evidence of the standards required.

With Arsenal setting the pace again, Szoboszlai believes Liverpool cannot afford to lose that competitive edge.

Szoboszlai has responded positively to Iraola’s arrival and the former Bournemouth manager’s aggressive philosophy.

The Hungarian even spoke with international teammate Milos Kerkez, who previously worked with Iraola at Bournemouth, about what Liverpool could expect.

“I like him, I like him a lot,” Szoboszlai said. “Obviously I know his is a really direct playing style, intense, which I love.”

He particularly appreciates Iraola's desire for Liverpool to dictate matches rather than constantly changing according to their opponents.

“As Liverpool FC, we should focus on what the other teams do but they should focus more on what we are doing,” he explained.

Szoboszlai’s importance has also increased away from Liverpool’s tactical structure.

Following Andy Robertson's departure, the 25-year-old has been promoted into the club's leadership group alongside players including Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez.

Already captain of Hungary, Szoboszlai believes he can lead through his performances rather than necessarily becoming one of the loudest voices in the dressing room.

“I try to give every day my best, in every game, in every training session,” he said.

The midfielder also revealed that this is now his longest spell at one club, having entered his fourth season at Anfield following his 2023 arrival from RB Leipzig.

Iraola has also provided Szoboszlai with reassurance about his position.

After previously demonstrating his versatility, the Hungarian has been told he is not expected to operate regularly at right-back, although he remains willing to fill in when required.

His preference is clear.

“8 to 10 – like a box-to-box 8,” Szoboszlai explained. “Get the balls from the defender, give the long passes, but also arrive in the box, shots from a little bit further. That's what I really like.”

That role could become increasingly important as Iraola attempts to inject the intensity Szoboszlai believes Liverpool need to challenge Arsenal.

Liverpool now have to translate Iraola’s demanding approach into consistent Premier League performances.

The early dropped points against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have already reduced their margin for error, particularly with Arsenal competing at the top of the table.

Szoboszlai should be central to that process. His combination of pressing, athleticism, passing range and ability to attack the penalty area appears well suited to Iraola's philosophy.

The next test is whether Liverpool can produce that intensity consistently enough to keep pace with Arsenal over an entire title race.