Liverpool's Szoboszlai downs shot and parties in crowd after Hungary wonder goal
Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai was the toast of Hungary on Sunday as his stunning double got the country's Euro 2024 party started.
The Hungarians had already secured qualification for Germany next summer prior to the meeting with Montenegro in Budapest, where Szoboszlai's brilliant brace - including an opener which saw him weave his way through the visiting defence - earned a 3-1 win.
After the game the 23-year-old was seen in the crowd with fans, and he took a shot of traditional Hungarian Palinka to toast the win and his performance, seemingly enjoying it despite pulling a face shortly after he'd downed it.
Szoboszlai has excelled in midfield for the Reds since his £60million move from RB Leipzig in the summer, and has carried that form onto the international stage with Hungary. Indeed, his latest display will be enough to have fans in his homeland believing they can make an impact in Euro 2024.
His first goal on Sunday really caught the eye. Taking the ball wide out on the right wing in the second half, he jinked between two players on his way into then area. He then skipped past two further defenders before drilling a shot across goal and into the bottom corner for the equaliser. Soon after he would duly blast a left-shot into the top corner for his second, before Adam Nagy sealed the win in injury time.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rushSzoboszlai has now now made 38 international appearances, scoring 10 goals. And he's emerged as a pivotal figure for club and country, with enthusiastic fans of the Reds drawing comparisons to Steven Gerrard.
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The latest developments would have been welcomed by Jurgen Klopp, with Liverpool playing at Manchester City next Saturday lunchtime. Just a point separates the two sides, with champions City leading the Premier League table.
And the German boss will also be boosted by the return of Alexis Mac Allister after suspension, with the likes of Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch also set to return from injury. In contrast, City boss Pep Guardiola faces an anxious wait over the fitness of a host of key players.
Erling Haaland has picked up a knock while on international duty with Norway, while Nathan Ake has withdrawn from games with Holland. The likes of John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne are already ruled out.