Liverpool players Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez were in fine form as Hungary beat Georgia on Friday evening
Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez of Hungary reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Hungary and Georgia at on October 2, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez starred for Hungary(Image: Getty Images)
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Hungary beat Georgia in the Nations League on Friday night with Liverpool stars Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez earning rave reviews. The Hungarians ran out 1-0 winners at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, earning a much-needed win after drawing 0-0 with Northern Ireland days earlier.
Liverpool left-back Kerkez scored the game's only goal, a smart header past Reds team-mate Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was between the sticks for the Georgians. Hungary captain Szoboszlai was also instrumental in his nation's victory.
Szoboszlai has been key for the Reds this season in his usual advanced position in the midfield. However, he turned heads on Friday night in a deeper lying role.
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This perhaps gives food for thought to Reds boss Andoni Iraola, with the No. 6 position developing into a troubling one early into the Spaniard's tenure. Szoboszlai's versatility has already been utilised in his exploits at right-back, and the Hungarian press seem to suggest he could now offer a solution there too.
They were also impressed by Kerkez, who has struggled for consistency since moving to Merseyside last summer, which is more welcome news for Liverpool. Here, we take a look at what their native media had to say on the duo.
M4 Sport
M4 Sport eulogised over Szoboszlai in an unfamiliar deeper role. They wrote: "It didn't go well before when the Liverpool captain played as a defensive midfielder for the national team, but this time he suited the role well, as he was able to get into the attacks thanks to his long ball possession, and in defence, the Hungarians dominated the midfield with his many possessions.
"Both sides led promising actions, but the defences were the problem, so there were few serious opportunities at first, the exception being Szoboszlai's 25-metre bomb, which Mamardashvili knocked off the crossbar."
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - OCTOBER 2: Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary controls the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Hungary and Georgia at Puskás Aréna on October 2, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Szoboszlai's impressive start to the season is continuing for his country(Image: 2026 Sebastian Frej)
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On Kerkez's goal, his first for his country, they said: "The Hungarian lead was not born from this, but from the first really accurate pass, which Kerkez nodded into the goal of the Liverpool goalkeeper [Mamardashvili]."
Nemzeti Sport
Nemzeti Sport gave Szoboszlai a rating of seven out of 10, praising his ability to dictate proceedings. They wrote: "With two more 'fidgety' players on his side and in front of him, his speed of play could have been better.
"He had two shots until the 25th minute of the first half, meaning (finally!) he was in the air to find the right air corridor with the ball – well, in the second half the ball went towards the top left corner, it took a great save.
"Although Milos Kerkez's header was needed for the victory, the team captain brought his best form, and he was the ace of the match."
Kerkez was also handed a seven. On the full-back's display they said: "In the evaluation against the Northern Irish, our problem, our criticism was that he was overworked. Well, that was not the case this time – in fact! The right side of the Georgian defence fell asleep so nicely that the left-back scored the winning goal with a superb header."
Origo Sport
Origo Sport praised the Hungary captain's ability to lead his country. The publication said: "Dominik Szoboszlai played a great game in the match.
"The Liverpool midfielder once again led the national team as a true captain, and after the match he said that in the future we need the same fighting spirit as they showed in the Nations League match against Georgia."
Milos Kerkez (C) scores the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League Group B2 football match between Hungary and Georgia at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary on October 2, 2026. (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP via Getty Images)
Milos Kerkez scores for Hungary(Image: Getty Images)
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They also branded Kerkez as the "hero" of the encounter, writing: "The Hungarian team played excellent football in the match held at the Puskás Arena, and could have won by more goals.
"The hero of the Hungary-Georgia Nations League match was Liverpool's Kerkez Milos, who scored his first goal for the national team in his 35th international match."