The Liverpool forward’s international stunt has helped him ‘fit in even more’ at Anfield.
According to journalist Dean Jones, Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai’s Palinka-drinking stunt while on international duty with Hungary will endear him even more to the Anfield faithful.
Szoboszlai was photographed drinking on the terraces with Hungarian ultras after a recent European Championships qualifier, sparking much debate about whether he should be doing so. Despite his antics, Jones believes Szoboszlai has done nothing wrong; in fact, the dependable reporter believes it will help Liverpool fans connect with their new star midfielder.
The Hungary captain has had a fantastic start to life in Merseyside, with some tipping him to follow in the footsteps of one Reds legend in the coming years.
In the early weeks of the Liverpool season, Szoboszlai’s impact is palpable.
Szoboszlai arrived from RB Leipzig for an eye-catching £60 million fee, making him one of the season’s most expensive transfers. Despite competition from fellow Premier League club Newcastle United, Liverpool signed the 23-year-old as part of their summer midfield rebuild.
So far, it has proven to be money well spent, with Szoboszlai making an immediate impact at Anfield. The box-to-box operator has started all 12 of Liverpool’s Premier League games so far, contributing three goals while also scoring a fantastic strike against Leicester City in one of Liverpool’s League Cup outings.
Following that goal, which was reminiscent of the kind scored by legendary Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for the club, people began comparing him to the Champions League-winning captain. While their styles differ slightly, Szoboszlai clearly models his game after the ex-England international, with the Hungarian even sporting a tattoo of a famous quote said by the midfield icon.
Szoboszlai can be favourite of the Kop following Palinka stunt
Clearly an eccentric character, Szoboszlai’s out-there personality was on display during the recent international break, when he hopped into the terraces after Hungary secured qualification to Euro 2024 to have a shot of Palinka with the supporters. Less than impressed by the zesty taste of Hungary’s national drink, it did however demonstrate the connection the Magyar supporters have with their national team captain.
And as a result of this, it’s suggested the Liverpool faithful can expect to build a similar rapport with Szoboszlai, as his career at Anfield progresses. So much so, it’s suggested the Palinka stunt actually allowed fans to see a different side to a professional footballer, as they are usually reserved and have little in common with the everyday person.
| Dominik Szoboszlai | 2023/24 Career Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 17 |
| Minutes Played | 1,241 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
Dean Jones update – Dominik Szoboszlai Palinka
When asked about his response to the viral clip of Szoboszlai drinking Palinka, journalist Jones admitted it brought a smile to his face as it showed a footballer expressing their personality with a set of supporters. Hinting we don’t see enough of players expressing themselves like this off the pitch, the reliable reporter predicted the Liverpool fans will warm to Szoboszlai even more after seeing him do this:
“It’s pretty rare that you see stuff like this anymore. Obviously, on one hand, it just goes to show the sense of achievement that there was and it’s great that Dominik Szoboszlai could get carried away in a moment like that. I think as well, it probably endears himself to Liverpool fans even more, because for however much we love and adore and worship footballers, they’re mostly unrelatable. They’re on diets that most of us couldn’t stick to, most of them are teetotal and most of them are just living a life that is a million miles away from what most of us live on a daily basis.
“So for people around Liverpool to see Szoboszlai enjoying himself like that, perhaps they would in a moment like that, I think it just gives you a human aspect and a link that is just going to help you even more. Szoboszlai has done brilliantly already to fit in at Liverpool on a football pitch, but I think this just makes him fit in even further.”
Szoboszlai hoping for no hangover ahead of Liverpool clash this weekend
Manager Jurgen Klopp was no doubt watching through his hands as his star midfielder enjoyed the festivities following Hungary’s qualification, such has been Szoboszlai’s impact under the German coach so far this season.
What’s more, Szoboszlai and Co. face another crucial contest this weekend, as the Merseyside outfit travel to Manchester City for what is being dubbed a potential clash between the two most likely title winners. It’s eight years since the 2019/20 league winners last won at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, making Saturday’s match a tasty one in the eyes of Liverpool supporters alike.
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