Dominik Szoboszlai's former coach, Gerhard Struber, has compared the Hungarian midfielder's work ethic to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting Liverpool can unlock his full potential by giving him freedom on the pitch.
Struber, who coached Szoboszlai at FC Liefering, recalled how the 22-year-old would train on days off, practicing corner kicks and free kicks alone. 'He would train on days off. I was in my office, I can see him outside and he would make some special corner kicks, free kicks with the balls on the field,' Struber told Redmen TV.
The Austrian manager noted that Szoboszlai's combination of talent and ambition reminded him of Ronaldo's early days at Manchester United, as described by former United player Nicky Butt. Butt recalled Ronaldo being the last to leave training, working on techniques until Sir Alex Ferguson ordered him off the pitch.
Struber advised Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to give Szoboszlai freedom rather than a rigid match plan. 'I think sometimes a match plan was not helpful - he needs freedom, he needs space for himself to create his special direction,' he said.
Szoboszlai, who joined Liverpool this summer, has been hailed as one of the best talents in the game by his former coach, who believes the move to Anfield could be a 'trampoline' for both the player and the club.
