A former MLS boss has described how Jurgen Klopp could get the best out of potential new recruit Dominik Szoboszlai after he coached him previously.
Gerhard Struber has had a varied career which has taken him all the way from coaching in the German Bundesliga to managing at Barnsley and New York Red Bulls. Given his eclectic experience, he is well-placed to give his verdict on what to expect from one of his former players, therefore.
It appears that one star who made a lasting impression on the Austrian was Szoboszlai, who looks set for a move to Liverpool after the Anfield club agreed to pay his release clause. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has garnered a healthy reputation for his masterful displays in recent years, notching 20 times in 90 outings for RB Leipzig.
It was at Red Bull Salzburg academy where the highly-rated star and Struber first encountered each other, however, with the Hungarian playing under the coach at feeder club FC Liefering. Having witnessed the player's talent and application firsthand, he was soon convinced that the youngster had star qualities.
The coach, who departed his post in MLS back in May, had worked with a host of future Liverpool players in the form of Naby Keita and Taki Minamino during his time in Salzburg but the 32-time international stood out to him as one for the future. Speaking to Redmen TV, he explained the impression Szoboszlai made on him.
He said: “I have many many big talents next to me like Naby Keita, Taki Minamino, Patson Daka - so many players who play for Leipzig in the German Bundesliga and then make the jump to the Premier League. I had so many top talents next to me but I can say Dominik Szoboszlai was always a player who surprised us.
“We saw the potential in him at this time and also what I see and I never forget is that sometimes the team would have an off day and he was always on the field. 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.
“I think next to a top talent what he is, I can see also a high ambition and in this direction, two things come together – very high work ethic plus a super talent."
On top of this, Struber also noted how Jurgen Klopp would be able to get the best out of the midfield ace in the coming months and years. He added: "I think sometimes a match plan was not helpful - he needs freedom, he needs space for himself to create his special direction. He did a great job in the last few years and this step to Liverpool could be the next trampoline for Liverpool."
With the Reds having finished in a disappointing fifth place in the Premier League last season, it is clear that this summer represents a pivotal period for the club. Szoboszlai looks set to become Klopp's second major signing of the summer following on from Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister.
