Dominik Szoboszlai: Can Liverpool midfielder help return to elite?
Constantin Eckner, German football writer
A fan favourite for Liverpool and a potential successor to Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas - Dominik Szoboszlai has had a pretty impressive 2023.
The 23-year-old midfielder once again took the spotlight during Hungary's 3-1 victory over Montenegro in November.
He scored two goals, downed a shot of palinka - a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy - and led the chants from the stands inside Budapest's Puskas Arena after the match.
Szoboszlai has rapidly become Hungary's leading footballer, a rise which has coincided with the national team's resurgence.
Hungary have sealed a third consecutive European Championship appearance after finishing four points clear of Serbia to top their qualifying group. And in the 12 games Szoboszlai has captained the team, they are unbeaten.
As his country's top player, Szoboszlai shoulders the weight of fans' hopes and will want to guide the team back to a place among Europe's elite.
He has also made an instant impact at Anfield since arriving from RB Leipzig for £60m in the summer.
There were questions over Szoboszlai's ability to handle the move at this stage of his career, but a string of impressive performances in the heart of Jurgen Klopp's midfield - combining powerful running with technical ability - have silenced any doubters.
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