‘We are missing something’ – Szoboszlai pinpoints Liverpool issue

In the high-pressure environment of Anfield, the difference between a dominant season and a fragmented one often comes down to intangibles. For Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian international and Liverpool midfield engine, the current state of the squad is a paradox of high-level success and a perceived psychological gap.

Having spent over 15 years reporting from the world’s biggest sporting stages—from the NFL Super Bowls to the Olympic Games—I have seen how championship-winning teams can suddenly lose their grip on the “mental edge.” As Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, I’ve watched the transition of power at Liverpool closely, and Szoboszlai’s recent candid reflections suggest that although the trophies are arriving, the internal drive may be flickering.

The ‘Fighting Spirit’ Deficit

The core of the issue surfaced following a rout by Manchester City, a match that left the Liverpool camp searching for answers. Szoboszlai was blunt in his assessment, noting that the team lacked a certain “fighting spirit” during the encounter. It is a jarring admission from a player who has become a cornerstone of the midfield, but it highlights a critical vulnerability: the gap between tactical execution and emotional resilience.

For a global audience following the Premier League, this distinction is vital. Liverpool can maintain possession and execute a game plan, but when faced with the relentless pressure of a rival like City, the “fighting spirit” Szoboszlai references is what typically bridges the gap between a competitive performance and a victory.

A Paradox of Success

The frustration expressed by the No. 8 is particularly striking when viewed against the backdrop of the club’s recent achievements. Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, Szoboszlai was a key member of the squad that secured the Premier League title in the 2024-25 campaign, Slot’s first year in charge. This followed a debut season under Jürgen Klopp and a 2024 Carabao Cup victory.

Even more recently, the Reds have shown they can still dominate. On March 18, 2026, Liverpool swept aside Galatasaray 4-0 at Anfield to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals. Szoboszlai’s individual form remains high; he was nominated for the Champions League Player of the Week on March 19, 2026, following that performance.

Yet, the disconnect remains. Winning a league title and dominating a European night does not preclude a team from losing its edge in the biggest domestic clashes. It is the classic struggle of a champion: how to maintain the “hunger” once the primary goals have been achieved.

The Versatility of the Hungarian Captain

To understand why Szoboszlai’s voice carries such weight in the dressing room, one must look at his utility. Born in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, the 25-year-ancient has evolved into one of the most versatile assets in the Premier League. While primarily deployed as a central or attacking midfielder, he is capable of operating as a wide midfielder or even a right-back.

His journey to Anfield was a steady climb through the Red Bull system. After making his senior debut in 2017 with FC Liefering, he moved to Red Bull Salzburg, where he helped the club secure three league titles and two domestic cups. A move to RB Leipzig in January 2021 for a reported €20 million—the highest fee for a Hungarian player at the time—further refined his game before he made the switch to Merseyside in July 2023.

As of March 21, 2026, Szoboszlai has recorded 98 appearances and 14 goals for Liverpool in league play. His ability to influence multiple zones of the pitch makes him the ideal player to diagnose where the team is failing, whether tactically or mentally.

Friction at Anfield

However, the relationship between the star midfielder and the supporters has not been without turbulence. In a moment of raw emotion, Szoboszlai recently lost his cool and lashed out at Liverpool fans who were booing him during a match. It is a reminder that the pressure of the Premier League does not just exist between the two teams on the pitch, but also between the players and the expectant crowd in the stands.

This friction adds another layer to his comments about “missing something.” When a player feels a lack of fighting spirit within the squad and simultaneously faces hostility from the stands, the psychological toll can be significant. For the team to return to a state of total synergy, the bond between the pitch and the Kop must be repaired.

Tactical Implications and the Road Ahead

From a journalistic perspective, the “fighting spirit” critique often points to a need for tactical adjustments or a change in leadership dynamics. While Arne Slot has proven his capability by winning the league in his first season, the challenge now is sustainability. The ability to pivot from the dominance seen against Galatasaray to the resilience required against Manchester City is the hallmark of a dynasty.

For the global fan base, the question is whether this is a temporary dip in morale or a systemic issue following the 2024-25 triumph. Szoboszlai’s willingness to pinpoint the issue publicly suggests a desire for a correction before the season slips further away.

As Liverpool prepares for the next phase of their Champions League campaign and the closing stretch of the domestic season, all eyes will be on the midfield. If Szoboszlai and his teammates can rediscover that elusive fighting spirit, the Reds remain the team to beat. If not, the “something” they are missing may become a permanent gap.

Next Checkpoint: Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League quarter-final fixtures will provide the first real test of whether the squad has addressed the mental lapses highlighted by Szoboszlai.

Do you agree with Szoboszlai’s assessment of the team’s spirit, or is this simply the pressure of the title race talking? Let us know in the comments below.