Szoboszlai and Mac Allister's instinctive bond fuels Liverpool's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid

Dominik Szoboszlai has described his midfield partnership with Alexis Mac Allister as almost telepathic, with both players getting on the scoresheet as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.

The Hungarian international said the connection he shares with the Argentine requires no words. “We know each other, without actually talking — when you look at someone and he knows what you want to do and I know exactly what he wants to do,” Szoboszlai said. “I think that helps the team as well. We have to become a family.”

The result offered a timely boost for Liverpool, though the partnership’s long-term future carries some uncertainty. While Szoboszlai signed a new five-year contract over the summer, Mac Allister revealed that Liverpool had told him they are not currently in a position to offer him a new deal. Szoboszlai, however, remained optimistic about their prospects together. “We can, we can,” he said when asked if they could sustain the partnership. “The guys play who the manager puts in at the end of the day.”

Szoboszlai also welcomed the contribution of Bradley Barcola, who made his first start for Liverpool following his move from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal that could reach £123m. “He is a great player, he showed it in Paris,” Szoboszlai said. “We need everybody with these qualities. He got tired a little bit, which is normal because he defends and gives everything what we need.”

Off the pitch, Szoboszlai has taken on added responsibility this season after being named one of Liverpool’s three vice-captains alongside goalkeeper Alisson and defender Joe Gomez. He described the appointment as a proud moment and a platform to grow as a leader.

“It was a nice feeling, a proud moment for me,” he said. “Even though we have three vice-captains, there were not so many vice-captains in Liverpool FC’s history, so I take that responsibility. I’m trying to show it on the pitch every time, off the pitch as well — trying to become even more a leader after last season. That’s my plan for the upcoming years.”