SZOB STORY

The making of the Kop's next midfield maestro

- DAVID MADDOCK

JUST before he was about to fly to Liverpool to make the biggest step so far of his impressive career development, Dominik Szoboszlai’s phone lit up with a message. 

It was from his close friend and former team-mate Erling Haaland and consisted of just two words: “Get ready.”

It was from one ‘monster’ to another, two world-class talents who have arrived in the Premier League within a year of each other, both for fees which hardly reflect their values in today’s inflated transfer market.

The Manchester City star’s message was hardly necessary as it happens.

It seems Szoboszlai was born ready to play for Liverpool, even down to the tattoo he already had on his arm which is loosely based on a quote from Anfield legend Steven Gerrard.