DANCE DEVIL: Man Utd star Zirkzee made a ‘EFFORT’ display despite face with many rivals in the Netherlands’ draw with Hungary
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.
In a tense match that almost saw Hungary defeat their opponents for the first time in forty years, Virgil van Dijk was sent off.
The home team’s lead was given by Roland Sallai, and it appeared to be sufficient until Denzel Dumfries equalized for the Oranje in the 83rd minute, four minutes after the captain was sent out.
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.
During his limited time on the field, De Ligt made three clearances and won all three of his duels.
When the Netherlands play Germany in Munich on Monday, the challenge before of them will be considerably more difficult. Last month, the two teams ended up drawing 2-2 in Holland.
De Ligt is expected to start the game because Van Dijk is now sidelined, but it’s unclear if Zirkzee will stick around after such a lackluster showing against weaker opponents.
