For all of Liverpool’s money spent and signings made, it has been the energetic Dominik Szoboszlai who has carried the Reds at times this season.Liverpool’s form has fluctuated wildly since the start of the campaign, winning seven in a row before losing six of the next seven.One constant through it all, though, has been Szoboszlai’s excellence while others around him floundered.Whether it has been in a two, as an advanced midfielder or at right-back, the 25-year-old has continued to build on a strong end to last season, leading the Reds with punch and athleticism.His performances have even drawn comparisons to those of Steven Gerrard, perhaps not in quality but in the way he strides through midfield, commanding the movements of those around him.During his early days, however, the Hungarian wasn’t always forecast to be this commanding, box-to-box player. Dominik Szoboszlai was converted by Jurgen KloppKey to Liverpool’s success in winning the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp had been his industrious midfield, though the quality of player involved was sometimes downplayed.With Fabinho and Jordan Henderson leaving after a campaign in which it became evident they had lost their durability that was so pivotal in previous years, the club needed a new midfield.With the help of temporary sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, the club identified and bought four new midfielders who all brought different qualities to the table.Alexis Mac Allister added a touch of class combined with bite in the tackle; Ryan Gravenberch had all the potential of a marauding midfielder but his potential was so far untapped; Wataru Endo was a veteran defensive midfielder who contributed nous and a love for tackling. Szoboszlai’s future, though, was difficult to read.The youngster made his name at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, playing most often on the left, including in their 4-3 2019 Champions League group-stage defeat 2019 at Anfield.January 2021 saw Szoboszlai join RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, where he played 91 times, scoring 20 goals and 22 assists.In Germany, he played across the middle and featured most often as an attacking midfielder or right-winger.However, Klopp and co. had clearly seen the attributes within that would suit him playing deeper, though perhaps not as deep as right-back! Dominik Szoboszlai’s first season at LiverpoolFollowing his £60 million arrival on Merseyside in 2024, Szoboszlai made an instant impression playing on the right of a midfield three.An absolute rocket against Leicester in the third round of the Carabao Cup gave us a taste of the Hungarian’s ball-striking ability. In the words of Alan Partridge, he had ‘the foot of a traction engine’.However, the opening stages of the 2023/24 campaign were to be his best, with a hamstring injury keeping him out of December and January’s action.After that, like much of the squad, he failed to regain his form and struggled towards the end of the season.Klopp’s time at Liverpool had come to an end, but maybe his greatest parting gift for Arne Slot had only just begun to get going. Arne Slot’s maiden campaignPlaying in a slightly different system, Szoboszlai battled with Curtis Jones for the attacking midfield position in Slot’s first campaign.The pair brought different strengths to the table; Jones better in tighter spaces but Szoboszlai an animal in the press.As the season went on, it became increasingly apparent how vital Liverpool’s No. 8 had become to the Reds’ slightly altered system.It was Szoboszlai’s running between full-back and centre-half that would often create space for Mo Salah, who enjoyed one of the great all-time individual years, scoring 34 and assisting 23 goals – the highest combined tally of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.It was arguably out of possession, though, where Szoboszlai’s work was most vital, and it was when he wasn’t on the pitch that his importance was most noticeable.With a headband keeping his slick, long hair in place, the Hungarian may have the image of a stereotyped modern footballer who places aesthetics above efficiency.However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.Over the last year in Europe’s top five leagues, FBRef states only seven percent of his peers have won more tackles. Szoboszlai also ranks in the top five percent for clearances and top four percent for ball recoveries, averaging an outstanding 5.42 per 90 minutes.When others are tiring, Szoboszlai comes into his own as Liverpool push for late winners which came so frequently at the beginning of the campaign.Jurgen Klopp’s greatest giftDue to his versatility, Slot has deployed Szoboszlai at right-back when necessary this season. However, this has left Liverpool lacking his presence in midfield – and it has been noticeable.While Liverpool will need to work out a plan to play well when he isn’t on the pitch, Szoboszlai’s availability is a key asset across a long season – he has missed just two games through illness since February 2024.Whether the 25-year-old can keep it up across successive long seasons remains to be seen, but he has until now been a vital cog in the Slot machine.As the head coach seeks to play a different brand of football, one that relies less on physicality, Szoboszlai’s importance has served as an salient reminder of what made Klopp’s team so great, that perfect blend of skill and strength.It stands to reason that Szoboszlai was Klopp’s greatest parting gift to his successor.