Garth Crooks has lauded the performance of Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz as the pair were included in the BBC Team of the Week.

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Football – FA Premier League – Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC LONDON, ENGLAND – Sunday, August 13, 2023: Liverpool s Dominik Szoboszlai during the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. LONDON Stamford Bridge GREATER LONDON ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex 2023-08-13-239-Chelsea_Liverpool

The duo were impressive for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they secured a 3-1 win over Bournemouth last Saturday at Anfield.

IMAGO / Propaganda Photo

Liverpool now have four points from their opening two league games and will travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United on Sunday.

Writing in his BBC column, Crooks said: “He (Szoboszlai) can certainly play.

“Liverpool’s new signing Szoboszlai showed all the touches of a good player against Bournemouth and looks like he wants to be constantly involved in the play.

“Well, if he’s going to wear Liverpool’s number eight shirt, someone at Anfield had better tell him what that means and who has worn that shirt before him.

“Sammy Lee, Brian Hall, Jimmy Case and Steven Gerrard, who immortalised the jersey, have all worn that shirt with distinction. Szoboszlai needs to know he has big shoes to fill and a heart to match.

“He scored a well taken goal last week against Chelsea, but the improvisation Diaz displayed in his finish against Bournemouth shows just how competent he can be in front of goal,” he added on Diaz.

On the penalty and red card incidents Crooks continued: “The penalty awarded to Liverpool by referee Thomas Bramall was as surprising as it was unnecessary, however, it was the dismissal of Alexis Mac Allister that was alarming.

“The tackle was high because the ball sat up, but the challenge was neither dangerous or reckless. Fans, players and managers should not be surprised by a sending off – it should be obvious – and this was not. If a referee is going to send a player off because he cannot determine the difference between a bad, dangerous or reckless foul, I question whether he should be out there at all.”

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