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After a half-season containing some truly excellent performances, Albert Rusnak has been called back up to the Slovakian national team for a vital set of World Cup qualifying matches.
In June, Rusnak had previously been expected to receive a EURO 2020 call-up for Slovakia. That never materialized, with Rusnak having been in roundly terrible form leading up to that.
What followed that snub was a definite resurgence from Rusnak, who has performed as well as he ever has for Real Salt Lake in the interim period, scoring seven goals and earning nine assists — his entire statistical outlay in 2021 — from that time forward.
This call-up is one that comes with a great deal of opportunity for Rusnak: It’s a chance to be restored to the full thinking of the Slovakian national team, but it’s also a chance to make his mark in World Cup qualifiers against the top two teams in Group H. Two wins could potentially lift Slovakia into qualifying territory.
With Rusnak on a contract year, it’ll be vital for him, personally, to secure a contract elsewhere. RSL is in a tricky position of not being able to renew his contract at current, as he’s a designated player, which requires owner investment. Notably, the team has yet to sell, with MLS handling that process.
Slovakia matches
- Oct. 8, Russia vs. Slovakia
- Oct. 11, Croatia vs. Slovakia