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Milos Kerkez endured another difficult night on Tuesday, with Hungarian media blaming the Liverpool defender for both of the goals his country conceded against Portugal.
Both Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai started in Lisbon on Tuesday, with the latter proving to be Hungary’s hero as he grabbed a stoppage-time equalizer to prevent the hosts from securing automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup, and keep the visitors’ slim hopes of catching them alive.
It proved to be a good night for Szoboszlai, who also provided the assist for Attila Szalai’s opener, although it seems Kerkez’s problems continued amid what has been a tough start for the left-back at Liverpool.
The 21-year-old has come in for some criticism for his performances since making the move to Anfield from Bournemouth in the summer, with Gary Neville particularly scathing after calling Kerkez a “baby” following the Reds’ defeat to Chelsea.
He played 79 minutes for his country on Tuesday, although he was rewarded a disappointing 5/10 for his performance by Nemzeti Sport, who also laid the blame for both of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals at his feet.
“He did not take much forwards, if he accompanied the attack along the line and received the ball, he mostly passed it backwards, to the inner defenders,” Nemzeti wrote about Kerkez’s display.
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“Even so, only 73 percent of his passes went to the right place until the break, before the first Portuguese goal he was not offside because of him, he stepped back too much before the pass, before the second home goal he also seemed confused, then he stepped out and they scored from his position.
“After the break he tried to pass, he was more active, but the game did not really work for him.”
Szoboszlai, on the other hand, was lauded for his performance, with the Hungary captain awarded a 7/10 - only one player was given a higher rating.
“He started actively, showing his humility when he positioned himself at right-back on the baseline and scored with his head,” read Szoboszlai’s summary.
“He brilliantly delivered the corner kick, and he put the ball on Attila Szalai's head. His next corner kick was also ingenious, bringing Bolla Bendegúz into a shooting position. In the 55th minute, he could have headed it, but the attempt was not strong, the goalkeeper was able to save it.
“He really wanted it now, and ran a lot like a true leader. Fifty ball touches, ninety percent pass accuracy, and in the end, a goal worth a point!”
Both Kerkez and Szoboszlai will make their way back to Liverpool now as the Reds prepare to return to Premier League action this weekend, with Manchester United visiting Anfield on Sunday.
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