Liverpool’s Creative Void Post-Trent: Why Szoboszlai Isn’t the Solution and Who Could Be
If Trent Alexander-Arnold is truly heading for the Anfield exit this summer, Liverpool will face a major creative dilemma. And despite his price tag, that solution might not be Dominik Szoboszlai.
Trent has long operated as Liverpool’s unexpected playmaker, offering defence-splitting passes from deep. Before him, Philippe Coutinho filled that “locksmith” role in the No.10 position, backed by Roberto Firmino’s intelligent link-up play. When Coutinho left, Liverpool transitioned creatively through their full-backs—with Trent and Robertson becoming pivotal to unlocking low blocks.
But with Trent linked to a move abroad and Robertson gradually phased out, the dynamic is shifting. Conor Bradley shows promise and has the energy to be a modern full-back, but he doesn’t possess Trent’s vision or technical quality. A free transfer for someone like Kyle Walker-Peters as backup could make financial sense, but the real question is: where does the creativity come from now?
It may be time for the midfield to shoulder more of the creative burden.
Mac Allister is a lock for one of the more advanced midfield roles. Ryan Gravenberch has shown surprising ability in the No.6 position, but Liverpool still need a true physical and dominant defensive midfielder. Options like Ederson (Atalanta) and Tchouameni (Real Madrid) feel more suitable than Zubimendi, who profiles too similarly to Mac Allister.
That leaves Szoboszlai, Elliott, Jones, and Mac Allister to compete for the remaining creative midfield spot—but Szoboszlai hasn’t lived up to his £60m billing. While he boasts incredible stamina and a strong long-range shot, his lack of physicality in duels and risk-averse passing have made him less of a playmaker and more of a high-energy carrier.
Put simply: he hasn’t been the creative fulcrum Liverpool were hoping for.
Is he capable of adapting? Technically, yes. But will he? That remains to be seen.
If Liverpool can’t land a world-class striker like Alexander Isak—whose injury history and price tag are major barriers—then rethinking the forward structure makes sense. Matheus Cunha could be a cheaper false-9 option in the Firmino mould, albeit with some disciplinary issues to iron out.
In terms of unlocking defences, Eberechi Eze could be the ideal signing for that advanced midfield role. He’s a dynamic dribbler, unpredictable, and offers that missing spark—arguably more so than Szoboszlai right now.
And what about the wildcard idea? Kevin De Bruyne.
While it seems unlikely, the logic isn’t far-fetched. De Bruyne is close with Virgil van Dijk, his family is settled in the North West, and Liverpool could use a veteran creator for one or two seasons while young talents develop. With Trent’s vision gone, someone needs to provide those inch-perfect passes. Even on limited minutes, De Bruyne still has the quality to be Liverpool’s new “locksmith.”
The creative rebuild at Anfield is unavoidable—and how Liverpool solve it could define the next phase of their evolution.