Hungary squad for UEFA EURO 2024: Who’s in and who’s out, key players and predicted line-up

Hungary will mark their third consecutive Euro participation and their fifth overall in this year’s edition. The first time Hungary took part in Euro was in 1964 where they finished third after beating Denmark to secure that spot. 

Eight years later, Hungary had another failure, advancing to the final after losing the semi-final tie against Soviet Union. Hungary’s most recent impressive run came in 2016 when they reached the round of 16, topping the group stage. 

They could not carry on further after being crushed four goals to nil by the Golden Generation squad of Belgium. Acting as one of the host countries in 2020, Hungary was eliminated in the group stage. Head coach Marco Rossi has announced his best 26 men to compete in Germany starting next week. 

Goalkeepers

The experienced goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is no doubt the first choice between the sticks. With a total 50 caps for his country, the former Liverpool goalkeeper is favourite to be in the first team during the tournament.

As UEFA required every contesting team to include at least three goalkeepers, Ferencvárosi TC’s Denes Dibusz and Paks’ Peter Szappanos would accompany Gulacsi on the goalie list.

Defenders

Rossi have Adam Lang, Attila Szalai, Endre Botka, Willi Orban, and Attila Fiola as options for defenders. The latter has just undergone surgery and is expected to recover right at time before the tournament begins. 

Players like Botond Balogh and Marton Dardai are also available and in position every time Rossi asks them to play.

Also Read: A tactical preview for Germany National Football Team playing at Euro 2024

Midfielders

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will be a key figure in Hungary’s game in this edition of Euro. He would be one of the most marked players on the team. His tenacity and composure in the midfield could be lethal for the team’s ball flow, let alone his long-range shooting ability.

Supporting Szoboszlai, Hungary would rely on  Adam Nagy, Loic Nego, and Laszlo Kleinheisler in the midfield area. Basically, the team is equipped with a lot of young and talented midfielders that are ready to explode in Germany. 

Forwards

Roland Sallai is Hungary’s most likely starter at the front. Despite having made fewer than 50 appearances for the national team, the Freiburg striker already has 10 goals to his name. 

Apart from that, Hungary still have Martin Adam and Barnabas Varga to compete with Sallai for the first-team spot. Another name to anticipate is the youngster Zalan Vansca, who is waiting for his opportunity to play at the continent level.

Predicted Lineup for Hungary in UEFA EURO 2024

Gulacsi will also be remembered by Hungary fans. The former Reds’ goalie will have his opportunity to blast in this Euro after finally settling his place in the first-team squad with RB Leipzig. 

Gulacsi’s Leipzig teammate, Willi Orban, will also be another crucial figure in Hungary’s squad for this Euro. He would be useful if Rossi implemented the three-of-five-men defensive formation during the tournament. 
 
Hungary’s predicted line-up (4-3-3): Peter Gulacsi, Adam Lang, Attila Szalai, Endre Botka, Willi Orban, Attila Fiola, Adam Nagy, Loic Nego, Dominik Szoboszlai, Roland Salai, Barnabas Varga.

Players missing for Hungary in UEFA EURO 2024

Scoring seven goals and four assists from 23 games at club level is not a guarantee that a player would be selected for the national team. That is the case with Hertha BSC’s Palko Dardai. Despite the impressive run in Germany’s tie two clubs, Dardai is excluded from the Hungary squad for this Euro.

A similar case also occurred to Balazs Toth and Zalan Vansca who are also left out from the Euro squad. Amid the debate and arguments circling around in the internet, Rossi carried on with his decision to lead Hungary in shooting their luck in the tournament.

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