Dominic Szoboszlai (foto: Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai says modern football is driven by results rather than flair, while also opening up about competition inside dressing rooms and the club's response to Diogo Jota's death.
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Dominik Szoboszlai believes modern football has changed beyond recognition, arguing that entertainment and individual flair have become secondary to results.
In a revealing interview, the Liverpool midfielder also spoke openly about competition inside elite dressing rooms, admitted he has a "big ego" and reflected on how the club dealt with the tragic death of teammate Diogo Jota.
'Joga bonito' belongs to another era
Szoboszlai believes there is little room for the kind of expressive football once associated with stars such as Ronaldinho.
"The 'joga bonito' tricks are just for show. In my opinion, they have nothing to do with football. They're enjoyable when they work, but football has become too competitive for that. Today, everything is about finding the most effective way to win."
According to the Hungarian international, the modern game demands efficiency above creativity.
Teammates are also rivals
Szoboszlai also rejected the idea that teammates automatically become close friends.
"When you arrive at a new club, will everyone want you to succeed? No. At the highest level, your teammate is also your biggest rival. I don't have a problem with that. I have a very big ego, and I enjoy proving people wrong. That's what motivates me."
His comments offer an insight into the intense competition for places inside elite football clubs, where every player is fighting to stay in the starting lineup.
Liverpool never discussed Jota's death
Perhaps the most emotional part of the interview came when Szoboszlai spoke about Liverpool's reaction to the death of teammate Diogo Jota.
He revealed that the squad never held a collective discussion about the tragedy.
"Never. Everyone kept it inside. I don't know if that was the right approach because nobody shared what they were feeling. Maybe it would have been better to deal with it differently. We'll never know."
The midfielder admitted there is no way of knowing whether speaking openly as a group would have helped the players cope with such a difficult moment.
Results remain the ultimate measure
Szoboszlai's comments reflect the demanding reality of modern elite football, where competition for places is relentless and winning often takes priority over spectacle.
At the same time, his reflections on Liverpool's handling of Jota's death highlight that even at the biggest clubs, players sometimes struggle to process personal tragedy together.