Liverpool information: Szoboszlai ‘criticism’ declare as star’s dad speaks on Real Madrid switch
Liverpool midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are both in the spotlight , with goal celebrations and transfer talk addressed
Andoni Iraola returns to his old club Bournemouth with Liverpool this weekend
Liverpool’s central midfield has been a big talking point among supporters since the club chose not to strengthen in this department in the summer transfer window.
One option, Curtis Jones, was sold to Inter Milan and not replaced. And just one victory so far from four Premier League games under new manager Andoni Iraola has increased debate over how the Spanish coach should best use Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, along with youngster Trey Nyoni, in the two spots behind Florian Wirtz in the Reds’ midfield.
Szoboszlai and Mac Allister were both on the scoresheet with stunning efforts against Tottenham Hotspur in a 3-1 third-round Carabao Cup triumph on Tuesday night. Szoboszlai’s strike in particular was one of the best goals seen at Anfield in recent memory. And fans will be hoping for more of the same when Iraola returns to the south coast to face his old club Bournemouth on Sunday. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Szoboszlai responds to critics
Liverpool vice-captain Szoboszlai has dismissed suggestions his celebration against Spurs on Tuesday was a reaction to supporters criticising him and the team following a goalless stalemate with Fulham last weekend.
After striking a stunning half volley, the midfielder gestured towards his ear in a listening pose. The Hungarian, who is part of a leadership group at Liverpool that includes Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Alisson Becker, however, dismissed such speculation.
“No, [the celebration] was just for myself,” Szoboszlai revealed post-match at Anfield on Tuesday evening, reports the Mirror. “No, I just decided before the game and I just did it.
Dominik Szoboszlai seemingly hit back at criticism with his celebration against Tottenham(Image: 2026 Simon Stacpoole/Offside)
“Was there a criticism? I don’t know,” he continued. “I didn’t see [that] but thanks for telling me. You know this goal was for the people who are always next to me. Because we are also humans so we can have bad games, we can have bad days and I think never ever was a player who played every game of his life [well].
“So there will be days also and games where I am going to play badly, but I think the most important is the reaction so I think I reacted quite well today and hopefully I can keep on going on Sunday against Bournemouth.”
Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have struggled when deployed as a pair in Liverpool’s new two-man double pivot under Iraola, with many fans calling for the Hungarian to either be deployed further forward, on the right flank, or at right-back – the latter a role he filled admirably last season but has stated he does not prefer.
Mac Allister’s dad makes claim
Alexis Mac Allister scored a superb goal against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister’s dad, Carlos, has dismissed rumours that the Liverpool midfielder could transfer to Real Madrid.
The World Cup winner has been performing strongly this season, despite not being a regular starter, and the Argentina ace underscored his value with a goal against Spurs midweek.
Speaking prior to last week’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, Mac Allister, whose Anfield contract runs until 2028, admitted he was “very, very sad” that he had not yet been offered a new deal by the club.
The Liverpool star also revealed he had offers to depart Anfield this summer, amid rumours of interest from Real.
However, Carlos has put an end to the chatter about a move to Los Blancos in an interview with 365 Scores, stating: “No-one from Real Madrid has contacted us at any point in the entire career of Alexis.”
He further noted Liverpool have not yet initiated discussions about a new contract with his son. He said: “No-one from Liverpool’s management has contacted us to renew his contract yet.
“We have a contract that is valid and we are committed to it with Liverpool, and if the club does not offer to renew the contract, it is their right. For now, Alexis has to give his best for the club in every game over the weekend.
“Alexis is not disappointed. This is a decision that the club makes, and we don’t judge their decisions, we just prepare for what’s to come.”
