Hungarian football stars making waves abroad

Hungary football has had some up and downs. During the 1930s up to 1970 thereabout, Hungary was a force to reckon with. The team won three Olympic Gold medals, participated in the FIFA World Cups and finished third at the 1964 UEFA European Football Championship. The team featured some of the best players to wear the Hungarian jersey including Ferenc Puskás to whom the Puskás Award is dedicated.

However, that tide turned towards the new millennium, as recent as 2014, only four players were playing abroad. It now seems Hungary football is now on a path of recovery with more players making their mark in Europe and abroad. Here are three of the headline makers in Europe you wouldn’t go wrong picking at several casinos online for your fantasy team.

Péter Gulácsi

Red Bull Leipzig’s first choice goalkeeper is the pride of many Hungarian football fans now. Ever since he made the switch from Red Bull Salzburg in 2014/15 season, he has established himself as the first choice at Leipzig. He is one of the players who helped Leipzig gain promotion to the Bundesliga and has been a key figure for the team as it competes for the Bundesliga title. Gulasci has featured 21 times for Leipzig this season, only missing one game.

One of the most enterprising things about Gulácsi is the fact that he quickly adapted to Germany football when he first made his switch to the Bundesliga II from Red Bull Salzburg and he managed to switch flawlessly to the main Bundesliga. This is also the same as he comfortably adapted to UEFA Champions League Football. With the new international friendly format introduced by UEFA, Hungary can now have the opportunity to participate at major tournaments like the UEFA Euro Championships but to get there, they will undoubtedly need the European experience of their and Red Bull Leipzig’s number one goalkeeper.

Patrik Hidi

The left-footed midfield powerhouse, Patrik Hidi is having a stellar season with Real Oviedo in Spain’s Segunda division. Hidi joined Real Oviedo at the start of the season from Honvéd. He has eight starts under his belt and is growing into his new role with Real Oviedo by each game. He has been the best tackler in the team though featuring relatively less than other players. Though he hasn’t scored yet, his stats from the Honvéd days suggest he is a goal scoring midfielder and as he becomes a mainstay in the team, goals will surely start to come.

Ádám Szalai

Ádám Szalai has been one of Hungary’s impressive exports in the past four seasons with Hoffenheim. Szalai has eight starts under his belt this season with three goals. Though his appearances have been limited, he has shown his quality each time he enters the field. Hungary is looking forward to participating at a major tournament again in the near future starting with the Euros and if they are to achieve that, they surely need the services of Szalai, their key player.

Photo: MTI/EPA/Ronald Wittek