FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Krisztián Németh’s first extended runout of the 2018 season came unexpectedly last weekend at Stade Saputo, and while it didn’t feature any goals or assists, it was nevertheless an important exercise for the New England Revolution forward.
Németh replaced the injured Juan Agudelo in the 34th minute of the Revs’ loss to the Montreal Impact, playing 56 minutes on the wing and registering three shots, including one on target. It was his third-longest appearance in Revolution colors after making a pair of starts late last season.
“I tried to give my best. Of course, after a long time, it was not easy,” Németh said earlier this week. “Physically, I feel good. In the game I had some slow thinking that I have to improve, but overall I was happy to be on the field again.”
Németh is confident that his “slow thinking” will improve with more significant minutes on the field, and he may get another opportunity this weekend when defending champions Toronto FC visit Gillette Stadium. Agudelo’s injured hamstring is expected to keep him sidelined, and while head coach Brad Friedel has several options to fill that gap in the starting XI, Németh is most certainly in the mix.
One option is to plug Németh in as a direct replacement for Agudelo on the wing, although the 29-year-old striker is also comfortable playing as a number nine or in a more withdrawn role.
“These four positions in the front, I can play all that,” Németh said. “Whatever I have to be, I’m going to give my best.”
Németh’s stellar 2015 campaign with Sporting Kansas City proved his quality – he registered 10 goals and six assists in 28 appearances – and while he hasn’t yet found that form in limited minutes with the Revolution, he’s putting in the work to be ready when his next opportunity arrives.
“Of course in the training or friendly games, it’s different circumstances,” Németh said. “[When] you jump into the game, it’s not easy. But I have to be ready to be at my best and show my qualities.”
