Szoboszlai’s wait could be to Hungary’s long-term benefit

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Dominik Szoboszlai was one of the most exciting prospects for Euro 2020 after starring for Hungary during their qualifying campaign and in his domestic exploits for Red Bull Salzburg. The 20-year-old notched a last-minute winner in his side’s play-off contest against Iceland to send his team to the competition for only the second time since 1972.

Nego (88′ minutes)
Szoboszlai (90’+2 minutes)

Hungary completed a stunning late comeback to beat Iceland and qualify for Euro 2020.

Full story: https://t.co/EYfL7K7ZqQ pic.twitter.com/j5828Klp57

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 12, 2020

However, the Magyarok will not have Szoboszlai in their ranks for the tournament after he missed the second half of the season after struggling with an adductor injury. His absence dramatically affected Hungary’s hopes of winning the Euros in the online betting odds given his importance to the team in the middle of the park.

At the age of 20, the midfielder still has plenty of competitions left in his future to leave a mark and the target will be to usher Hungary towards their first World Cup finals since 1986 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. All eyes will be on the midfielder and his exploits in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig, who has yet to make an appearance since his move from Red Bull Salzburg. He reportedly turned down an opportunity to join Arsenal, opting to play in the heart of Europe.

In Germany’s topflight, Szoboszlai has the perfect platform to enhance his skills and become a leading light across Europe, which will include valuable experience against the elite sides in the Champions League.

Szoboszlai never had the chance to play under Julian Nagelsmann following his move to Leipzig. Nagelsmann will take charge of Bayern Munich in the next campaign, but Szoboszlai will have no fear of the unknown with his replacement. Jesse Marsch will take charge of Leipzig, becoming yet another man to make the transition from Salzburg to the Bundesliga outfit. In his 18 months under the tenure of the American, Szoboszlai thrived in the middle of the park by scoring 13 goals and notching 17 assists in 39 appearances. There will be a level of expectation for the Hungary international to take the next step forward in his development following his transfer.

Erling Haaland has set the standard for players making the transition from the Austrian Bundesliga to Germany’s topflight. Haaland has set the Bundesliga alight with his performances for Borussia Dortmund and is now the most-sought player in the world due to his scintillating prowess in the final third.

Szoboszlai has the talent comparable to Haaland, and is in an eerily similar position as the key cog of a less-heralded team on the international stage. The 20-year-old will set the standard for young players emerging from Hungary. A breakthrough for Szoboszlai may pave the way for more youngsters to follow, reaching the highest level.

It is a major disappointment that Szoboszlai has missed out on the Euros. But he now has time to regain his fitness before embarking on a crucial 18 months that could feature Hungary’s first appearance at the World Cup for 36 years. In that instance, the Magyorak will want their key man to be fit and firing, with the experience of top-quality domestic and European campaigns under his belt to lead their charge into the tournament.