Skilled jumps, duels won in the air, agile movements, playing with both right and left foot, and slalom-like breakthroughs that confused the defense of Vilnius “Žalgiris” – his father’s favorite team.
VIDEO: UEFA Conference League. R. Pukstas goal (Zalgiris 1:5 Hajduk)
UEFA Conference League. R. Pukstas goal (Zalgiris 1:5 Hajduk)
The attacking central midfielder also scored the fifth goal for Split’s “Hajduk,” after which – overwhelmed with euphoria – he got a bit overheated, gesturing near his ears while running towards the local fans.
The guests were crushing “Žalgiris” 5:1 at that time, and Lithuanian R. Pukstas’ blood did not save him – objects started flying at the young man, including a beer glass.
UEFA Conference League match: Vilnius “Žalgiris” – Split “Hajduk”
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And the American with a Lithuanian passport immediately raised his hands, apologizing. Shortly after, R. Pukstas was substituted.
These matches were watched in the stands by footballer grandparents and other relatives, and after the final whistle, while handing out attributes to the fans who asked for them, R. Pukstas was left only in his underwear.
Understand instantly
21-year-old R. Pukstas holds both Lithuanian and US citizenships, so he could play for our national team, but he has repeatedly expressed a desire to represent the USA. He was the captain of the American youth team but has not yet been called up to the senior national team.
“I talked to Rokas after the match. I gave him a few hours to be with his family. He feels a connection to this place (Lithuania). He loves the city, this country,” said “Hajduk” coach Gonzalo Garcia, downplaying the “flying glass” incident but also wondering why it might have happened.
VIDEO: ?️ LIVE | Press conference after the Žalgiris – Hajduk match ??
?️ LIVE | Press conference after the Žalgiris – Hajduk match ??
– No, we definitely won’t do anything about it (regarding a possible complaint to UEFA, – ed.). In Croatia, they throw all kinds of things at us. You could say we are prepared for that (laughs). I think the fans behaved respectfully here. I was even surprised how people here enjoy football. Despite the result, the songs did not stop even well after the final whistle.
As I understand, Rokas is from Lithuania, but he is also American. Maybe people here expect him to play for the Lithuanian national team? He himself said he is not thinking about that right now. His mind is focused on improving, and that’s great. He is still young and must first work on himself. And there are always some angry people everywhere. We will see what happens in the future (regarding playing for the national team).”
The Spanish specialist also did not spare praise for R. Pukstas’ play.
“This is my second season at the ‘Hajduk’ club. Before I arrived, Rokas did not play much. In my opinion, he has huge talent.
He is a real workaholic. Honestly, even too much. We constantly have to stop him. He just keeps working all the time. He has improved his left foot so much that now I don’t even know if he is right-footed or left-footed?
He is very strong. Damn athletic. I think it’s genetics. You probably know his family history. He has genes, passion, energy.
Understand instantly
Both of Rokas’ parents are Lithuanians, well-known national track and field athletes who emigrated to the USA. His father Mindaugas, a former marathon runner, represented Lithuania at the 2004 Athens Olympics (finished 74th), and his mother Živilė is a multiple Lithuanian triple jump champion.
Rokas is also still in the development phase. He needs to understand situations, what to do at one moment or another, what decisions to make.
I think his ceiling has not yet been reached. I hope that if he stays with us, we will continue to help him improve. Even last season was his best by all statistical parameters. Also in terms of game reading. I hope he will continue to grow.
And if he makes a (career) step, I hope others will help him. He has no problems in his head because he is a beast,” concluded G. Garcia.
Understand instantly
The football talent courted by LFF loudly stated whom he wants to represent – Lithuania or the USA
Rokas Pukstas, who holds a Lithuanian passport, is attracting attention from an English Premier League club
Vilnius “Žalgiris” coach Andrius Skerla also tipped his hat to R. Pukstas: “I think he is a very good player. It was especially visible in the first half. How he feels the game, the spaces, when he has the ball…
Well, he is a very good player (shrugs). He will not easily lose the ball, he will always make the right decisions. Not only him. The ‘Hajduk’ team is full of good players who showed us how to play.”
The “Hajduk” club, dominant in Vilnius, won the first match against “Žalgiris” 5:2 and created a very solid advantage ahead of the return match next week in Split.
