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Germany trounced Hungary in their opening UEFA Nations League fixture (September 7) to send out a warning to all of Europe following a glorious display in Dusseldorf. Die Mannschaft were irresistible against their Magyar visitors, with Julian Nagelsmann getting the better of Marco Rossi.
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala was a delight to watch, orchestrating the systematic destruction of the opposition with four goal contributions in the game. Results of this nature raise numerous talking points, all tinged with shock, admiration, and awe. Here are five of them:
When Jamal Musiala is on fire, your defense should be terrified
Jamal Musiala was a delight to watch on the night, rightfully reminding fans and neutrals of his immense talent. Hungary are far from a bad team, however, the Bayern Munich star ripped them to shreds like a wolf going at a tenderloin steak.
He completed 46 passes in the game, set up three goals, and found the back of the net himself with just 71 touches overall. The 21-year-old looks set to feature in Botond Balogh's and Peter Gulacsi's nightmares after his superb showing.
Dominik Szoboszlai can hold his head up after showing his quality
Pointing out the quality of a player on the receiving end of a 5-0 drubbing calls for more than a little clarification. However, the Liverpool star was the only player on the Hungary team to come out of the game looking like a top-quality option against the Germans.
He completed 40 passes and recovered the ball one time with his 69 touches, but could not fend off the wolves in what quickly became a rout at his expense. The 23-year-old will be one to watch when the Magyars face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their next match (September 10).
Florian Wirtz, smooth as silk
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz is one smooth operator and his showing against Hungary reinforced that. The German completed the most dribbles in the match, bagging a goal and assist to underpin a solid performance.
The 21-year-old looks set to lead the next revival for Germany with Jamal Musiala, and the duo will be an exciting watch for fans and neutrals moving forward.
Die Mannschaft look to be back
Germany are back to their best and the win over Hungary confirms that. Die Mannschaft have lost only one game in their last 10 fixtures, a 2-1 loss to Euro 2024 winners Spain. Julian Naglesmann has gotten his team firing again and looking fabulous defensively.
Mauling the Magyars must also not be taken for granted; until this loss the central European nation were in great form themselves, considering their stature, under Marco Rossi. Germany will now look to prove their revival when they face Ronald Koeman's Dutch team in their final Nations League game of the window on September 10.
Marco Rossi's Hungary project remains impressive
Despite Hungary's mauling at the hands of the Germans, Marco Rossi's achievement with this team should not be understated. The Italian manager has progressed the Hungarians to a point where there is genuine shock that they lost so heavily on the night.
Rossi does not have the benefit of calling on a team of superstars, and Transfermarkt's valuation of his squad (€158.98 million) as opposed to their opponent's massive valuation (€771 million), means they have no reason to be ashamed. The team is likely to bounce back, and they remain in good hands under the impressive manager.
