Former Manchester City captain Richard Dunne says that Dominik Szoboszlai's 'brilliant' impact since his summer arrival is the reason Liverpool go to the Etihad Stadium in the hunt for the Premier League title.

The Reds have restored the recent order of things in the English top-flight, albeit narrowly. Heading into Saturday's 12:30pm showdown they sit second, one point behind Pep Guardiola's men, and trailing both are Arsenal - level on points with Liverpool though lacking goal difference - and Tottenham Hotspur.

It comes after a drop off in intensity last season - one that was particularly visible amongst the worn out midfield options at Jurgen Klopp's disposal.

This issue was addressed in the transfer market and one addition that has spearheaded the Anfield revolution this term is £60m signing Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

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"He has been absolutely brilliant," Dunne told LiveScore Bet as he analysed his former club's next opposition. "He's one of those players that people tune in to watch for his energy, quality and ability to score a cracker from distance.

"The one worry is whether he can maintain his intensity over the course of a whole season, but what an impact he's made - and he's probably changed Liverpool's outlook on the campaign.

"Instead of just thinking about getting back in the Champions League, they're eyeing the title and that's thanks in part to Szoboszlai.

"He's given belief back to the fans and the players, he's brought the best out of Van Dijk and given everyone that enthusiasm which was perhaps missing last season."

Prior to the season, especially with their business incomplete come the opening game against Chelsea, it was unknown how far Liverpool would be able to take their challenge for the Premier League. Now, about to play their thirteenth of a 38-game campaign, they have the opportunity to set the pace once again.

Their 23-year-old was back amongst his club team-mates after captaining his country to Euro 2024 qualification during the recent break, as Klopp got a quadruple boost of returnees from various injury problems.