Hungarian playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai could be Europe’s next big thing

Dominik Szoboszlai, RB Salzburg (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images)
Dominik Szoboszlai, RB Salzburg (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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The Salzburg midfielder is already being linked to European giants ahead of January’s transfer window

Last year, it was a different RB Salzburg youngster who quickly took Europe by storm. His name was Erling Haaland. After breaking goal-scoring records in the Champions League, the Norwegian made the switch to Borussia Dortmund last January and has continued to bag goals at a uncanny rate, solidfying himself as one of the most clinical finishers on the globe.

Soon enough, it could be another Salzburg player who may be shining in Europe. 20-year old Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. His name especially came to light last week after he booked Hungary’s ticket to next summer’s Euros after scoring the winner against Iceland in extra time. But this wasn’t the first time that Szoboszlai opened eyes amongst numerous European clubs.

Turning heads across Europe

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He first hit the scene last season for the Austrian Bundesliga side, bagging nine goals and tallying ten assists in 27 appearances. This term, Dominik Szoboszlai already has a goal and five assists in just seven domestic matches, while also netting twice already in the Champions League. Thanks to his impressive form for club and country, he’s attracting the interest of many outfits across the continent, specifically Real Madrid and Arsenal.

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According to the Mirror UK, the Gunners seem to be one of the most likely fits at this point. Szoboszlai’s agent however has insisted that his player receives meaningful minutes wherever he does end up in January. Sister club Leipzig is another possibility, while Napoli and Milan are also said to be keen on the youngster.

It’s no secret that Arsenal lack creativity in the middle of the pitch. Mesut Ozil brought that factor to Mikel Arteta’s side, but he’s been pushed out of the squad. Thomas Partey has certainly improved their midfield, but adding a player like Szoboszlai alongside him would be a massive boost. He’s one of the most creative and talented young players on the globe right now with the ball at this feet. Dominik Szoboszlai has shown the ability to dribble out of danger on countless occasions thanks to his top-notch footwork and smarts for the game.

In the final third, he’s extremely dangerous due to his playmaking and scoring abilities. Szoboszlai has a unique eye for a pass and can pick out teammates through the smallest pockets of space. But if you give him too much room around the 18-yard box, he will also unleash rockets with his stellar right foot. From set pieces, the Hungarian is clinical as well, having netted numerous goals over the last two seasons from dead-ball situations.

His goal against Iceland was a perfect example of what can happen if you give Szoboszlai too much space to run. Hungary were literally in their own end and quickly got the ball to him around half, where he bolted ambitiously for about 35 yards past two defenders then smashed home a perfectly placed low hit into the bottom corner:

High ceiling for Szoboszlai

Just 20-years old and he’s already doing big things for his country. People in Szoboszlai’s homeland are already comparing him to Hungarian legend Ference Puskas. Talk about high hopes. But, he is certainly on the right track. It’s clear that Szoboszlai plays with boatloads of confidence and he will only improve and develop more with his next club, wherever that may be.

Some believe that his best destination could in Germany with Leipzig or even another Bundesliga side for that matter, due to the fast-paced style of football. But Arsenal may be a logical destination for the youngster as well because his creativity and technicality can improve the Gunners instantly.

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It’s tough to find a player who can change a game in a snap of the fingers. Dominik Szoboszlai is capable of just that. Blessed with pretty much every ability you could look for in an attacking midfielder, the sky is the limit for this Hungarian wonderkid.

Whoever is able to snatch him up in January better hold on because Szoboszlai could end up being one of the best midfielders in the world in the not too distant future.