Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is Hungary’s male Athlete of the Year, but Rio Ferdinand still isn’t convinced.
The Reds signed the 23-year-old in a £60million transfer last summer, a deal that already looks like good value for money.
Szoboszlai has featured regularly in the Premier League, starting 19 of Liverpool’s 20 fixtures and making 26 appearances in all competitions.
Playing in the middle of the park, Szoboszlai has netted four goals and provided three assists, proving he has something to offer in terms of end product.
The midfielder also captained his nation to an unbeaten qualifying campaign for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament, leading to the award in his homeland.
But Ferdinand, who spent years as Anfield’s enemy no.1 during a career as a Manchester United player is not buying into the hype yet.
“I know everyone is hyping him, but I don’t think Dominik Szoboszlai has done (as well as people make out), he told subscribers on his Vibe with Five YouTube show.
“He’s a good player but people are saying ‘oh, he’s the next [Steven] Gerrard!’ and I haven’t seen that yet.
“I see loads of their [fans’] comments. But one of my mates in my group always says it. But he is easy on the eye.”
Gerrard is a modern-day Liverpool legend having spent 17 years as the team’s driving force in midfield.
Renowned for being strong in the tackle, a leader of men and someone with an eye for a spectacular goal, it’s not a surprise that Szobszlai has drawn comparisons with Gerrard.
Only time will tell whether he can be deemed as a true successor to one of the Reds’ greatest-ever captains.
