- Dominik Szoboszlai was unable to prevent Hungary’s 3-0 defeat by Turkey
- During the match, the midfielder clashed with a Real Madrid star on the pitch
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Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to aim a pointed dig at a Real Madrid star after suffering defeat in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening.
The Liverpool midfielder was unable to prevent Hungary’s 3-0 defeat by Turkey on the night, who secured promotion to the UEFA Nations League A with the victory.
During the match, Szoboszlai appeared to clash with Turkey and Madrid star Arda Guler, who had found the back of the net earlier on in the night.
A picture which quickly began circulating social media showed Guler putting his finger to his mouth and seemingly telling Szoboszlai to be quiet as they argued about a decision in the game.
Shortly afterwards, the picture was posted onto Instagram by a Hungarian sports channel, with the caption: ‘Arda Guler told Dominik Szoboszlai to be quiet’.
Eagle-eyed fans quickly spotted that Szoboszlai had left a cryptic comment on the post but quickly deciphered the likely meaning behind the message.
Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to aim a pointed dig at a Real Madrid star on Sunday evening
The Liverpool star clashed with Arda Guler before commenting ‘1088’ on an Instagram post
The Reds midfielder simply wrote: ‘1088”.
According to Transfermarkt, that’s the exact amount of minutes which Guler has played for Madrid throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
In comparison, Szoboszlai has played 2,887 minutes in midfield for Liverpool.
Since joining Madrid from Turkish giants Fenerbahce in 2023, Guler has struggled to nail down a starting spot amid the side’s plethora of attacking talent.
Though he’s made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish giants, just six of those came as starts in LaLiga – with Carlo Ancelotti preferring to use his impact off the bench.
His national team-mate and Inter Milan star Hakan Calhanoglou even came forward and recently called for Guler to earn more minutes for the side.
He said: ‘I don’t know what his situation is at Real Madrid, so I don’t want to get too involved in this situation because in the end, he knows more, although of course, I want and believe he deserves to play more minutes’.
Meanwhile, Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella said: ‘He’s improved a lot in terms of attitude and character. He’s learned to fight and fight, and he’s here with us because he has exceptional talent’.
Since joining Real Madrid in 2023, Turkish star Arda Guler has struggled for playing time
1088 refers to the minutes played by Guler for the Spanish giants throughout 2024-25
Szoboszlai, meanwhile, has made 40 appearances in all competitions for the Reds, providing seven goals and five assists during that time.
Prior to the international break, the Merseyside giants endured wavering form after suffering defeats by PSG and Newcastle.
Szoboszlai will be hoping that he can help Arne Slot’s side turn their fortunes around after the break, when they will host rivals Everton in a Premier League clash.
As it stands, the Reds are currently 12 points clear at the top the table and are within touching distance of sealing a historic league title.
