Dominik Szoboszlai has expressed growing confidence in his developing partnership with Alexis Mac Allister as Liverpool navigates its early season under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The duo both found the net in Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, marking their third consecutive start together in midfield this season.
Szoboszlai described their connection as nearly telepathic, noting that their intuitive understanding on the pitch benefits the team’s dynamics. “We know each other without actually talking,” he said, highlighting the seamless communication between the two in key moments. Mac Allister was a substitute in the Premier League opener against Newcastle, where Ryan Gravenberch was preferred in midfield, but the pair has since become a consistent pairing.
Under previous manager Jurgen Klopp, Szoboszlai often operated with one deeper midfielder or paired in a more advanced role. However, with Iraola’s tactical setup, he and Mac Allister have settled into a base midfield partnership that demands a different understanding. Szoboszlai insisted that the final decision on selection rests with the coach, and emphasized the importance of squad unity and competition. “We have to become a family,” he said. “Can we be a successful pairing long term? We can.”
Gravenberch was a regular starter under former manager Arne Slot, but Szoboszlai stressed his openness to playing alongside a variety of teammates, including Florian Wirtz, Wataru Endo, and Trey Nyoni. “We need everybody because the season is long and we are in all competitions,” he explained, underscoring Liverpool’s ambition to remain competitive on multiple fronts.
Additionally, Liverpool’s new signing Bradley Barcola, acquired from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million, started his first match for the club in midfield. Szoboszlai praised the 25-year-old’s qualities and experience, seeing him as an important asset. “He is a great player, he showed it in Paris,” Szoboszlai said. The team is still adapting to positional changes, with Ronald Araujo deployed at right-back and Barcola on the right wing despite usually playing from the left. Szoboszlai noted these tactical adjustments as part of the team’s learning process.
The victory over Atletico Madrid extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run under Iraola and marked only the third time the club has rallied from a goal down to win since claiming the Premier League title nearly 18 months ago. Reflecting on the comeback, Szoboszlai said the response was a positive sign. “After a setback it is not easy to come back into the game,” he observed. “We didn’t panic, kept the same system, and kept playing the same way. In the end, you will have your chances.”