Anfield is witnessing history in the making. In a season already filled with standout individual performances, Dominik Szoboszlai has just shattered a statistical record that hasn’t been touched since the peak of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creative reign in 2017–18. The Hungarian midfielder’s “miracle performance” in Liverpool’s 4–1 win over Brentford on January 18, 2026, saw him register 3 assists in a single match — a feat that pushed his season tally to 17 assists across all competitions after just 22 appearances. That number now surpasses Alexander-Arnold’s previous club record of 16 assists in a single campaign (set when the right-back was just 19).

The milestone is even more remarkable considering Szoboszlai plays primarily as a No.8 or advanced midfielder — positions that traditionally contribute fewer assists than wide creators or full-backs. “He’s not just a goal threat,” manager Arne Slot said post-match. “He’s become one of the most complete midfielders in Europe. The vision, the passing range, the work rate — it’s all there.”

But the real headline came off the pitch. Insiders close to the club have revealed that the achievement triggered a private salute from the legendary Steven Gerrard himself — the “original No.8” whose name is synonymous with Liverpool midfield excellence. According to sources, Gerrard sent a direct message to Szoboszlai via the club’s internal channels shortly after the final whistle. The content of the message remains private, but it was described as “short, heartfelt and very Gerrard”: a simple congratulations paired with a line that read, “Keep writing your own story, lad — you’re doing it the right way.”

The exchange has sent Liverpool fans into a frenzy. #SzoboGerrard and #TheSealOfApproval trended worldwide within minutes, with supporters sharing side-by-side stats, clips of Szoboszlai’s pinpoint through-balls, and classic Gerrard assists from the 2000s. “Gerrard giving Szobo the nod is the ultimate stamp of approval,” one viral post read. “From one Liverpool No.8 to another — chills.”

Szoboszlai, 25, joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for £60 million. After a strong debut season interrupted by injury, he has exploded in 2025–26, forming a dynamic midfield trio with Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. His 17 assists already place him among the top creators in Europe, and he has added 8 goals — numbers that put him on pace to challenge club records for midfielders in a single campaign.

The Gerrard connection is especially meaningful. Szoboszlai has repeatedly cited the Liverpool icon as one of his biggest inspirations growing up in Hungary. “I watched his Champions League goals when I was a kid,” Szoboszlai told reporters earlier this season. “That passion, that drive — I wanted to bring that to Anfield.” Receiving recognition from Gerrard — even privately — is seen as a full-circle moment for the Hungarian international.

The record itself adds another layer of significance. Alexander-Arnold’s 16 assists in 2017–18 came as a marauding right-back with licence to bomb forward. Szoboszlai is achieving similar output from deeper, more congested midfield positions — a testament to his vision, passing accuracy and ability to break lines. “He sees passes no one else sees,” teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold said after the Brentford match. “He’s special.”

Liverpool currently sit second in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. Szoboszlai’s form has been central to their title charge, and the Gerrard endorsement has only amplified the belief inside Anfield that this squad is capable of ending a long wait for league glory.

Whether Szoboszlai can maintain this level and lead Liverpool over the line remains to be seen. But one thing is already certain: the “original No.8” has given his seal of approval — and in Liverpool terms, that means something profound.

The Hungarian star is no longer just fitting in at Anfield. He’s writing himself into the club’s rich midfield legacy — one assist, one moment, one Gerrard nod at a time.