A rising Liverpool academy talent has spoken openly about his ambition to follow in the footsteps of Dominik Szoboszlai, revealing he wants to develop into the kind of midfielder Arne Slot can build his team around in the future.
Oliver O’Connor has quickly become one of the more highly rated players in Liverpool’s academy system, with strong performances at youth level and increasing involvement around senior setups under Slot’s regime.
With Liverpool continuing to place emphasis on developing internal talent alongside first-team recruitment, the pathway from academy to senior squad has become more visible for emerging players.
Admiration for Szoboszlai’s all-round midfield game
O’Connor has specifically highlighted Szoboszlai as the player he looks up to most in the current Liverpool squad, pointing to his versatility, energy and attacking output as key traits he hopes to replicate.
Szoboszlai has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season, combining creativity with a relentless work rate and becoming a central figure in Arne Slot’s system.
??? The free-kicks that Dominik Szoboszlai has scored this Premier League season. ? pic.twitter.com/VM3rfWb3Gs
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 18, 2026
That profile has clearly made an impression on younger players coming through the ranks, with the Hungarian international now viewed as a benchmark for modern midfield play at Anfield.
“I want to be like Szoboszlai”
Speaking about his development and ambitions, the Liverpool youngster said: “I just like the way he plays and the way he is on the pitch. I feel like he suits my game the most.”
He added: “The way he impacts the team off the ball, I feel like that’s the thing I want to do as well.”
The comments underline how Szoboszlai’s influence extends beyond the first team, with his style of play now being actively studied by academy prospects aiming to break through.
Liverpool’s pathway from academy to first team
Liverpool have increasingly integrated young players into senior training environments, particularly under Arne Slot, who has shown willingness to assess emerging talent during cup competitions and squad rotations.
Several academy prospects have already been given opportunities around the first team, and the club’s long-term planning continues to include a clear development route for high-potential players.
The comparison to Szoboszlai is particularly notable because it highlights the type of midfielder Liverpool are now trying to develop internally: technically strong, tactically disciplined, and physically intense.
