Szoboszlai Starts Ahead of Salah in Liverpool Lineup, Signaling Potential Shift in Attack
LONDON – December 1, 2025 – In a surprising move, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has opted to start Dominik Szoboszlai as a right-sided attacker against Sunderland, with captain Mohamed Salah named to the bench. The decision marks the second consecutive match Szoboszlai has been preferred in the starting eleven over the Egyptian star, raising questions about a potential long-term shift in Liverpool’s attacking strategy.
The change comes after Szoboszlai’s performance against West Ham United, where he played the same role, replacing Salah in the lineup. While Slot has emphasized that Szoboszlai remains valued as a central midfielder, the repeated deployment on the wing suggests a willingness to explore alternative options and potentially capitalize on Szoboszlai’s form. This tactical adjustment impacts not only Salah’s playing time but also the dynamic of Liverpool’s attack, potentially altering the team’s overall approach.
Prior to the Sunderland match, concerns surrounded the fitness of Milos Kerkez, who played his best game for Liverpool against West Ham but suffered a cramp early in the match. Slot acknowledged Kerkez is still adjusting to the demands of playing three matches a week, noting the Hungarian left-back invests meaningful energy into each game. Kerkez was ultimately benched for this match, with andy Robertson starting in his place.
Liverpool starting lineup: Alisson – Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson – Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz – Szoboszlai, Isak, Gakpo.
