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Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee was largely ineffective as the Netherlands managed to scrape a draw against Hungary in Budapest in the Nations League last night.
Virgil van Dijk was sent off in what was a scrappy affair that almost saw Hungary beat their rivals for the first time in 40 years.
Roland Sallai opened the scoring for the home side and it looked to be enough until the 83rd minute – four after the captain had been sent off – when Denzel Dumfries equallised for the Oranje.
The Dutch enjoyed a massive 80% of possession in the first half and most of the second, but could not turn their advantage into goals, with the United man unable to make his presence count.
Zirkzee only managed one shot, which was blocked. He only had 38 touches and completed 15 out of 22 passes for a disappointing 68% passing accuracy. His sofascore rating for the game was 6.9.
He was put out of his misery in the 76th minute when he was replaced by Brian Brobbey.
The big man has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League and despite a goal in his first game in the competition, he has been unable to kick on and has started the last few games on the bench for United.
Another new signing who has also struggled and lost his place for both club and country is Matthijs de Ligt, who came on for the last nine minutes of the match, replacing Xavi Simons.
De Ligt won all three of his duels and made three clearances during his brief spell on the pitch.
The Dutch face a much sterner task on Monday, when they face group leaders Germany in Munich. The two sides played out a 2-2 in Holland last month.
With Van Dijk now suspended for the game, De Ligt is likely to start the game but whether Zirkzee will keep his place after such a drab performance against inferior opposition remains to be seen.
Stats via sofascore.com.
Featured image David Balogh via Getty Images
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2024-10-12 07:59:10
