Wembley Stadium — the iconic stage of English football glory — became the scene of an unexpected stumble for Liverpool on a sweltering Sunday afternoon. In a tense Community Shield clash, the Reds fell to Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout — a result that, not long ago, would have seemed unlikely. But beyond the scoreline, the game exposed worrying cracks in Liverpool’s midfield structure and team chemistry under Arne Slot’s fresh leadership.
This wasn’t just a disappointing afternoon; it was a mirror reflecting deeper concerns over Liverpool’s tactical identity, squad balance, and player suitability. At the centre of the discussion were Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai — two midfielders handed a golden opportunity to prove themselves, yet whose performances raised more questions than answers.
Transitioning from the high-octane Jurgen Klopp era to Slot’s more controlled approach has been anything but simple. While Klopp’s system thrived on relentless pressing and fluid movement, Slot has sought to instil discipline in positioning and quicker ball circulation. The Community Shield was the first real test to see if these ideas were taking hold — and the verdict was mixed.
Complicating matters, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister were unavailable — the former due to personal reasons, the latter recovering from post-Copa America fatigue. That absence thrust Jones and Szoboszlai into starting roles, effectively making the match an audition for their place in Slot’s long-term plans.
Szoboszlai, signed amid high expectations from RB Leipzig, arrived with a reputation for flair, technique, and work rate. But his first season was marked by adaptation rather than dominance, showing flashes of brilliance alongside moments of inconsistency. At Wembley, his passing — usually crisp and incisive — faltered under pressure, and his link-up play with the forwards broke down, leaving the attack starved of service.
Adding to the competition is the arrival of Florian Wirtz, whose creativity could push Szoboszlai even further down the pecking order unless he finds consistency.
Curtis Jones, Liverpool’s homegrown hope, also had a mixed outing. Deployed deeper than usual, he was tasked with controlling the tempo and supporting the defence. While his 100% pass completion looked good on paper, most of those passes were safe and sideways, doing little to break Palace’s lines. Defensively, he lacked urgency in pressing and anticipation, allowing Palace to transition through the centre too easily.
Together, Jones and Szoboszlai struggled to provide defensive stability or attacking spark. Operating in overlapping roles without clear distinctions, they failed to dictate play or protect the backline, leaving Liverpool exposed to Palace’s quick counters.
Interestingly, both players have thrived when used further forward — as in the surprise win over Manchester City — where they had fewer defensive duties. This suggests their pairing in deeper roles may not be tactically optimal for Slot’s system.
Slot’s vision requires midfielders who can blend defensive steel with creative vision, handle pressure, and maintain positional discipline. On this occasion, neither player met that full standard.
The issues extended beyond midfield. As Jamie Carragher pointed out during halftime analysis, the defence looked vulnerable without proper midfield cover, leading to hurried clearances and stretched positioning. It was a clear reminder of how midfield weaknesses can ripple through the entire team’s structure.
Looking ahead, Szoboszlai needs to prove he can combine flair with tactical discipline, while Jones must sharpen his decision-making and defensive instincts. The next fixture against Bournemouth could offer redemption — but pairing them again in the same roles might be a risk without adjustments.
Liverpool’s midfield puzzle remains unsolved. To thrive in the Premier League’s unforgiving environment, the Reds must find combinations that offer both defensive solidity and attacking imagination. The Community Shield defeat may soon be history, but its lessons could shape the course of Liverpool’s season under Slot.
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