Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola praised Dominik Szoboszlai after the midfielder scored a spectacular goal for the Reds. 3-1 Carabao Cup victory at Tottenham.
Szoboszlai came off the bench to settle the tie with a long-range effort from around 30 yards. His strike restored Liverpool’s two-goal lead after Conor Gallagher had pulled one back for Spurs.
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo had put Liverpool ahead before Tottenham threatened a comeback, but Szoboszlai’s finish ended any doubt and secured Liverpool’s place in the fourth round.
“The three goals we scored were very good,” Iraola said.
“The origin of the first and second goals is also very important for us, but the third goal is a world cup, it is exceptional. The thing about Dom is that before you shoot, you are confident that he can score.
“With another player you’re thinking maybe he’s too far, but with Dom everyone thinks he can score.”
Liverpool’s young players impress
Iraola made 10 changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Fulham at the weekend, and the decision paid off as a number of younger players put in strong performances.
The Liverpool manager explained that the changes were necessary after his side looked low on energy in their previous game.
“It’s true that I made a lot of changes, but I think I had to because we saw the other day that we lacked a little bit of energy and needed new legs,” he said.
“I’m happy because all the players have given us intensity and aggression.”
Iraola praises the commitment
Iraola was particularly pleased with the effort of Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and James McConnell, who pushed themselves physically before being substituted.
“I was happy for (the young players). Different positions, different demands. But I think the best thing is that they were dead when I replaced them,” he said.
“Trey (Nyoni) was cramping, Rio (Ngumoha) couldn’t have run much longer. (James) McConnell the same. When that happens, it’s because you’ve given us what you’ve got.
“They have been very athletic, ready to win their duels, making their presence felt. I was happy for them.”