20 November 2023 , 15:48
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Hungary goalkeeper Denes Dibusz has compared Dominik Szoboszlai to Lionel Messi after the Liverpool midfielder scored a stunning brace on Sunday.
Szoboszali's Hungary, who had already qualified for Euro 2024, took on Montenegro at the Puskas Arena and fell behind courtesy of Slobodan Rubezic's first-half strike. However, Marco Rossi's side staged a second-half comeback and equalised through Szoboszlai, who weaved past a number of defenders before slotting the ball into the corner.
Moments later, Hungary took the lead and it was Szoboszlai at it again. The 23-year-old played a neat one-two before driving into the box and finishing beyond Montenegro 'keeper Milan Mijatovic.
Szoboszlai was involved in Hungary's third in stoppage-time as his free-kick was saved, before Adam Nagy tucked home the rebound to seal a 3-1 victory. It means Hungary have finished as group winners on 18 points from their eight qualifying matches, with Serbia second.
After the match, Szoboszlai was seen in the crowd with supporters as he toasted his nation's success by drinking a shot of traditional Hungarian drink Palinka. Meanwhile, Ferencvaros shot-stopper Dibusz heaped praise on his captain for his performance and compared his skillset to Argentina World Cup winner Messi.
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"You have the same feeling about him as when Lionel Messi was at his best in Barcelona a few years ago," Dibusz told Hungarian outlet Index. "When he made up his mind, he went down the field and scored.
Dominik Szoboszlai in action for Hungary against Montenegro (Getty Images)"He is a player of an incredible level and a great leader, who is able to lead the team on the field and add something extra to his game that draws the others along, and is also effective.
"After the Bulgaria match, I think he was also a little frustrated that despite his chances, he didn't manage to score. I think you can be satisfied with your finishes and performance today."
Szoboszlai has impressed for Liverpool since his £60million move from RB Leipzig in the summer. He has started in all 12 Premier League matches, making a further five appearances in all competitions. Asked about how the Hungary international has settled in back in September, Jurgen Klopp said: It's so long ago that he's here that I’ve forgotten what I thought but since the first minute of training it was pretty impressive.
"That's how it is. He's a top bloke, a top guy and it's easy to step into the team and the dressing room and stuff like this. He's a very naturally confident boy and that helps but it's super hard work as well and that’s what you see today."