Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szobošzlai has been backed to transform himself into a defensive midfielder in the image of Italian legend Andrea Pirlo.

Szoboszlai made an impressive start to his Reds career following his £60m move from RB Leipzig last month, and was man of the match in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth on his Anfield debut last Saturday.

The 22-year-old has already established his reputation as a versatile midfielder, anchoring himself on the left and right flanks of Jurgen Klopp’s big three in central defence.

However, his Hungarian national team manager Marco Rossi believes that Szoboszlai can eventually develop into a world-class number six as the captain of the national team. “I know he said he doesn’t like playing in that position, but I really think he could be a good number six in the future,” Rossi said.

“He has all the skills for the position, like (Andrea) Pirlo, to give an example. I believe that Pirlo is the best player in this position in the last 15 years, Dominik also has good skills in this position. ”

Szoboszlai, who scored twice for Liverpool at the weekend, won a penalty which was eventually converted by Mohamed Salah on the rebound before his powerful long-range effort was denied. .

The midfielder scored 20 goals in 91 appearances for Leipzig having netted 26 in 83 games for Red Bull Salzburg, and Rossi is convinced Szoboszlai has the ability to start finding the target in the Premier League.

“I think in England he will need to start shooting more,
because I think if Dominik shoots with his right or left foot, nobody can complain,” he said. “When he decides to shoot, no one can complain.

“He has many, many strengths. Of course he has and still has some weaknesses, but he is trying to reduce and improve. Of course, his best skill is shooting.

“I’ve been playing football for over half a century and I have to say that in the last 50 years I can’t remember more than five players with a shot like him or a better player than him.”

In an exclusive interview with Livepool.com, Rossi also believes that Szoboszlai is a player who could appeal to Anfield fans such as Steven Gerrard. “When you play in front of a crowd like Liverpool, it’s something special; it feels special,” he said. “Dominik is definitely a self-motivated player, but it’s another investment that he can use now.

“I hope he can start the early stages of Steven Gerrard’s career, obviously with different qualities, but if he can win the hearts of Liverpool fans like Gerrard did, he will do a great job.”