Zsombor Liziczay essentially made sporting history because he became the youngest academy player to make his senior-team debut as a goalkeeper, and overall only Noel Keresztes was younger than him when making his debut. Moreover, he achieved this after playing only a few matches for the U19 side and just once for the second team in NB III.
Everyone knows the fate of goalkeepers. It is not unusual to have to wait a long time for a debut, if it ever comes at all. But you were not only 'called up' to the first team – you were thrown straight into the deep end.
I did not think at all that I might get on the pitch. It was already a huge surprise and honour when they told me there was a chance I would be in the squad at the weekend. I thought it would be an incredible experience to watch the whole match from very close up, from the bench this time instead of the stands or a broadcast. When the coach told me to go and warm up, I started to suspect I might get a chance to prove myself... It was an incredible feeling!
Then Békéscsaba were awarded a penalty. I thought Tamás (Tamás Feczkó – ed.) might cancel the decision. In the end Tomás Tujvel – putting the icing on his evening – saved the penalty, and you then replaced him.
It crossed my mind that I might not be sent on after all, so it was an extra joy for me that Tomás saved the penalty. It was an enormous happiness and honour to be able to replace such a legend in goal. He wished me good luck and then congratulated me! This is a great community and everyone was extremely helpful, so I think I integrated easily.
Have you processed the fact that you are the youngest academy player ever to make a senior-team debut as a goalkeeper?
It was an incredible feeling to walk around the stadium after the match and be so close to the supporters. I was able to experience what it feels like to win in front of such a large crowd. I could not fall asleep for a long time; it was only in the early hours of Monday.
Did many people contact you after the match?
When I came back to the academy for my cool-down and recovery, it took at least an hour to reply to all the messages. I wanted to answer everyone. My former coaches, teachers, friends and many others congratulated me. It was a fantastic feeling that seeing me in goal filled them with joy and pride.
Who do you usually discuss your performances with?
I appreciate every piece of feedback and try to learn from all of it, incorporating criticism and observations into my character in a way that can help my career. I also get along very well with the security staff here, but of course professional opinions carry the most weight.
The Puskás-Suzuki Cup is the earliest opportunity for you to prove yourself again. How much can you benefit in the age-group teams from this debut?
My debut gives me a huge positive boost ahead of the Suzuki Cup. I hope we can bring similar joy to the supporters who come out to watch us, as well as those following the event online and on television.
In the group stage you will face Slavia Praha, Genk and Real Madrid.
I do not like to differentiate between matches. If we are playing the weakest team in the league, I prepare in exactly the same way as I do for U17 Real Madrid or, as now, for Békéscsaba on Sunday.
Our team begins its Puskás-Suzuki Cup campaign against Slavia Praha on Friday at 15:15.
