BREAKING NEWS: “I went into that match fully believing we would win — but everything changed the moment he stepped on the pitch. From his very first touch, the entire game fell apart for us. He didn’t just join the action; he took charge, changed the momentum, and completely disrupted our rhythm. A single player turned our confidence into uncertainty. If he’s on the pitch for the second leg, we’re in big trouble. He’s not just a threat — he’s a game-decider.” Merino has now named this Liverpool star as the most difficult opponent he’s ever come up against.

In a candid and emotionally charged post-match press conference, Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino shared his thoughts on the pivotal moment that altered the course of his team’s recent encounter with Liverpool.

Merino, celebrated for his composure and influence in the center of the park, admitted he approached the match with confidence, fully believing his side had what it took to secure a positive result. However, that optimism quickly faded when one particular Liverpool player entered the game and completely transformed its direction.

Merino explained that he felt certain Real Sociedad could handle Liverpool’s challenge until this player got involved. From the very first moment he touched the ball, the entire dynamic of the match shifted. According to Merino, it wasn’t simply a matter of adding fresh legs to the contest; this player imposed himself on the game, altered its rhythm, and unsettled Sociedad’s strategy.

Without initially naming the player, Merino hinted that this was no ordinary performance. He described how one individual single-handedly dismantled Sociedad’s confidence, throwing the entire team off balance.

He remarked that if this player were to feature in the second leg, Sociedad would have serious problems, labeling him not just a threat, but a genuine match-winner capable of deciding the outcome on his own.

Under pressure from journalists, Merino eventually revealed that he was referring to Liverpool’s Hungarian midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai. The playmaker’s second-half introduction left an undeniable mark on the game, with his intense pressing, sharp passing, and remarkable vision turning the tide in Liverpool’s favor. Szoboszlai’s ability to control the tempo and dictate play left Sociedad scrambling to respond.

Merino did not hold back in his praise, stating that Szoboszlai is the toughest opponent he has ever encountered on a football pitch. He highlighted the Liverpool man’s exceptional energy, confidence, and ability to command a game, qualities he rarely witnesses in other players.

Merino noted that while teams can prepare for most opponents, dealing with someone of Szoboszlai’s caliber becomes nearly impossible when he hits top form.

The midfielder’s admission has since attracted attention from fans and football analysts, with many commending Szoboszlai for his growing influence at Anfield. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad face an uphill battle in the second leg, knowing they must devise a strategy to contain a player Merino himself has warned could ultimately decide the tie.