“He has to get goals” - Micah Richards names one Liverpool star who must improve for the Reds to challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for PL title
Micah Richards believes Dominik Szoboszlai must score more goals for Liverpool to challenge Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title this season. The Merseysiders have been in excellent form under Arne Slott this term, bar their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The Reds currently lead the league table by a point, ahead of Manchester City (second) and Arsenal (third). Liverpool have secured five victories from six league fixtures so far, including a dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United. Szoboszlai has started each of his side's Premier League and Champions League matches so far.
However, the Hungary international is yet to rack up the numbers, having scored a goal and provided two assists so far. Richards believes Szoboszlai has to offer more in terms of goals, given that he occupies the No.10 position, for the Merseysiders to compete in the title race.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said (via Rousing The Kop):
"I think just tactically for Liverpool, because Szoboszlai is playing in that no. 10 role, I think if Liverpool want to challenge all the way, I think his numbers are going to have to be ten goals, ten assists this season, realistically."
Richards added:
“I know Salah will get goals, Diaz has been in red-hot form, but even just the way Jota moves, the sort of sacrificing all the good of him. I like Jota, but I prefer Jota on the left. Diaz is playing so well. I think Szoboszlai in that free role, he has to get goals because he gets into good positions. If he can get the goals, then they can challenge.”
The Reds have kick-started their Champions League campaign in triumphant fashion as well, winning 3-1 in their opener against AC Milan.
"They're well below Arsenal and Manchester City" - Gary Neville says Liverpool don't look like 'title winners' under Arne Slot
Gary Neville has questioned Liverpool's chances in the title race under Arne Slot this season. The pundit believes Slot's side have a long way to go to reach Arsenal and Manchester City's level.
The Reds secured all three points with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (September 28), courtesy of goals from Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah.
Despite the win, Neville felt the Merseysiders didn't seem like title winners, insisting that Arsenal and Manchester City are superior sides. The Manchester United icon said on the Gary Neville Podcast (via Sky Sports):
"They're going to have a good season it looks like and maybe get Champions League football. I didn't feel like I was watching title winners [at Wolves] being honest with you. They're well below Arsenal and City but I don't think that's shocking anybody."