Liverpool supporters have seen it all before. A big-money, high-profile midfield summer arrival from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig who hit the ground running before regular injury issues thwarted the progress of his debut campaign, with the player ultimately unable to consistently recapture the momentum of that opening period.
Such was the case for Naby Keita, who at the end of last season departed Anfield after a five-year spell in which he failed to live up to his early promise despite claiming five major honours during his time at the club.
It should act as a warning to Dominik Szoboszlai, who replaced Keita as the number eight in the Liverpool squad when following in the footsteps of the Guinean by moving from Leipzig to Liverpool for £60million last summer. Only three players have cost more for the Reds.
Liverpool unveil new 2024/25 home kit as Nike price increase explained
Liverpool face Luis Diaz transfer decision after training ground whispers over exit
There are other similarities, with Szoboszlai 22 when he arrived while Keita was 23, and both already being an integral part of their respective national teams before they signed up.
But, in fairness, that is where the comparisons end. They may be midfielders, but Szoboszlai and Keita possess different profiles and skillsets and, most certainly, have contrasting physical attributes and durability.
Despite twice having spells on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem he later aggravated by rushing a return, Szoboszlai has already made more appearances this season - 42 - and played more minutes than Keita did in any of his campaigns at Liverpool. And with seven goals and four assists, the Hungarian has surpassed Keita's best respective seasonal tallies with the Reds.
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk