“It is high time that Slot takes the hard decision and drop Szoboszlai. He is not giving us what we expected from him instead he should use a young talent that we know would perform well” – This is according to Liverpool Legend Jamie Carragher as he advises Arne Slot should finally consider dropping Szoboszlai by giving a chance to a “special” Liverpool talent.

Liverpool secured a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last weekend, although the performance was far from spectacular. However, as the saying goes, winning despite not playing at your best is the hallmark of a champion.

This holds some truth, and under Arne Slot, Liverpool have already dominated several teams. Manchester United were quieted at Old Trafford, AC Milan were outclassed in the Champions League opener at the San Siro, and West Ham United were dismantled like ants at Anfield in the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool will face Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday before heading to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, just ahead of another dreaded international break.

After that, they have tough fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea, which could be concerning.

A few players need to raise their game, with Dominik Szoboszlai standing out as one who needs to improve.

Why Dominik Szoboszlai is struggling
Last year, Szoboszlai was forced into a deeper-lying position under Jurgen Klopp, and although it worked to some extent, Arne Slot’s system demands a more advanced number ten role.

Szoboszlai, as Hungary’s captain, fits this profile but is now adapting to this new challenge.

Szoboszlai adds energy and positivity to Liverpool’s attack, helping with their fluidity, but he’s not delivering the kind of stats that Arne Slot and the Reds’ fans are looking for.

Seven matches into the season, the 23-year-old has managed just one goal and one assist, with his underwhelming performance against Wolverhampton highlighted by a poor miss in the first half, when he shot straight at Sam Johnstone from close range after a superb cross from Diogo Jota.

Perhaps it’s time for a change against Italian opposition on Wednesday. Arne Slot might consider making a switch, and Curtis Jones should start in place of Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool’s best replacement for Szoboszlai
Slot has already shown his ruthless side at Liverpool, and while Szoboszlai is undoubtedly talented, he’s not hitting the performance levels he is capable of this season.

Benching Szoboszlai for the upcoming Champions League match could serve as the wake-up call the dynamic midfielder needs. With Jones ready to step in, it seems like an obvious decision.

Curtis Jones possesses the ideal skill set for Slot’s tactical system, focusing on control and fluidity in possession. According to FBref, Jones ranks in the top 13% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for assists, the top 9% for pass completion, the top 5% for progressive carries, the top 4% for successful take-ons, and the top 22% for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

Shot-creating actions include plays that lead to a shot, such as passes, dribbles, or drawing fouls.

Jones had a standout pre-season for Liverpool but suffered an injury in August, disrupting his early-season form. Recently, he’s made substitute appearances in Liverpool’s last three Premier League matches and started in the Carabao Cup win against West Ham, delivering an impressive performance in a hybrid midfield role.

**Curtis Jones: Stats vs West Ham (5-1 win)**

– **Minutes played:** 90
– **Assists:** 1
– **Touches:** 60
– **Shots (on target):** 4 (1)
– **Big chances missed:** 2
– **Accurate passes:** 42/44 (95%)
– **Key passes:** 1
– **Dribbles (completed):** 2/2
– **Total duels (won):** 7/2

Paul Gorst of the *Liverpool Echo* praised Jones’ performance, noting his constant involvement and a critical pass to set up Jota for Liverpool’s second goal. Jones’ mobility and ability to drive forward, paired with his passing accuracy and vision, make him a strong candidate to thrive under Slot’s management.

With his “truly special” style, Jones deserves a starting spot, making it time for Szoboszlai to take a seat on the bench.