Hungary captain Balazs Dzsudzsak set to make Al Wahda Arabian Gulf League debut

Al Wahda begin their Arabian Gulf League campaign against newly-promoted Hatta on Friday night.

Balazs Dzsudzsak led Hungary to the Euro 2016 knockout stage before joining Al Wahda in the summer. Attila Kisbendek / AFP

ABU DHABI // Balazs Dzsudzsak, the Hungary captain, will make his Arabian Gulf League debut for Al Wahda in their opener on Friday.

Wahda face newly promoted Hatta away and Dzsudzsak, 29, is raring to go for his first league appearance for his new employers.

“I’m really excited and looking forward for my first competitive game in the UAE,” said Dzsudzsak, who arrived in Abu Dhabi from Turkish club Bursaspor in the summer, with PSV Eindhoven, Anzhi Makhachkala, and Dynamo Moscow among his former clubs.

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“My thoughts at the moment are to help my team play a good game and win the three points. I haven’t seen any games Hatta played but if they have earned promotion it is not without a reason. Now they are in the top flight and don’t underestimate them.

“Our objective is to win every game regardless who we play. However, for the time being, we will only focus only on this game. A good start is what we are looking for at this point of time.”

Javier Aguirre, the Wahda manager, has a full squad to choose from with Dzsudzsak, the club’s summer signing, completing the foreign quartet that also includes Chile international Jorge Valdivia, South Korean Rim Chang-woo and Argentine Sebastian Tagliabue.

“Balazs is a busy player as he has to shuttle between club and national team duties but I’m sure he can handle it as he’s a widely travelled and experienced player,” Aguirre said.

“Obviously we expect him to play a big role not only against Hatta but in every game he plays. He certainly adds value to the quality we already have.”

In the other games Friday, Kalba travel to neighbouring Dibba, and Al Shabab will be at home to Sharjah.

On Saturday, Al Ahli begin their title defence against Emirates, while Al Jazira play host to Al Wasl. Al Nasr travel to Al Dhafra and Al Ain are at home to Baniyas on Sunday.

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