I decided to put together a list of players from the Hungarian League who are most likely to be successful abroad. This list is certainly not exhaustive, and depending on the success of this one, I may write another post later on during the year. Feel free ask questions!
Dávid Sigér – 29 – Ferencvárosi TC – Central Midfielder
A late bloomer, he spent most of his career in the lower leagues of Hungary. Two years ago he captained Balmazújváros’ inaugural campaign in the top flight, only to get relegated on the final day. He was a stand-out performer in an otherwise abysmal side, and was signed by Ferencváros in the summer of 2018. Just like so many other talented Hungarian players at the club, many expected him to become a squad-rotation player. On the contrary, Sigér fought himself into the starting XI, ahead of stars who were signed from abroad to take Ferencváros to the next level.
A deep-lying central midfielder, he was crucial in keeping the scores of opposition teams low in the Europe. Sigér dictates play in the centre of the field, pulling the strings as Ferencváros attempt to build their attacks. His performances this season – both domestically and the Europa League – have earned him a call up to the Hungarian national team, where he debuted at the age of 28.
Even though Sigér is now 29, moving to a more competitive league could not only benefit his career, but also enhance a team that lacks stability in the middle of the park. Given his style of play, his age would not hinder his ability to improve in the next few years. Sigér would be most effective in slower-paced and tactics-oriented leagues.
Dénes Dibusz – 29 – Ferencvárosi TC – Goalkeeper
Arguably the best and most consistent goalkeeper in the league over the past decade, Dénes Dibusz has matured into one of the leaders at Ferencváros. The shot-stopper joined the Hungarian Champions in 2014 and has been their first-choice ever since his debut that year. At the age of 29, this year may be his best opportunity to go abroad. Indeed, it may be the only option to develop his career further.
This year Dibusz was one of the best players during Ferencváros’ European Campaign, having started in all their games. According to UEFA’s official performance database, he was ranked the 9th best keeper in the Europa League group stages, ahead of household names such as Bernd Leno and Rui Patricio.
Over the years Dibusz has consolidated himself as Hungary’s second choice keeper, only beaten to the Starting XI by RB Leipzig’s vice-captain Péter Gulácsi. Nonetheless, he is ahead of Balázs Megyeri and Ádám Bogdán in the pecking order, both of whom play in arguably more competitive leagues.
Having won all domestic honours and played in the Europa League with Ferencváros, he has achieved everything on offer in Hungary. It is time for him to find new challenges elsewhere.
Tokmac Nguen – 26 – Ferencvárosi TC – Winger
Arriving at the club this time last year from Strømsgodset, Tokmac Nguen made an instant impact at Ferencváros. The left-winger scored 4 goals in 12 games last season and was instrumental in securing the club’s 30th title. He continued to be in the form of his life in the first half of the 2019/2020 season, scoring 9 goals and assisting 5 in 28 games. Not a player to shy away from big fixtures, he was involved in a large proportion of Ferencváros’ goals during their European campaign.
His exceptional performances are reflected in his market price; in the space of 12 months his Transfermarkt valuation has nearly doubled from €800,000 to €1.5 million.
Primarily a winger, he has also been deployed as an attacking midfielder and a forward at various points during matches. His slick and accurate finishing, combined with his acceleration, has made him deadly in front of goal, especially during counter-attacks. Tokmac’s impressive performances in Europe suggest that the Norwegian has something to offer in a more competitive league, especially when considering he is still only 26.
Loïc Négo – 28 – Fehérvár – Full-back/Winger
At Fehérvár (club known as Vidi last since) since 2015, he may be best known for scoring a volley against Chelsea in last season’s Europa League. Originally deployed as a winger, he has primarily been used as a right-back or a wing-back over the past few years.
Having the qualities of both a full back and winger has given Négo the ability to utilise both in matches. In addition to being disciplined defensively, he uses his speed to run past opposition players and initiate deadly counter-attacks, which proved to be effective in the Europa League when facing stronger oppositions.
Négo is also a great crosser of the ball; last season he registered 12 assists in all competitions, including 3 in Europe. Being a former winger, he has retained some essential traits from this position. In addition to being a goal-scoring threat, he is often in space to receive the ball during attacking moves.
Just like Dibusz, at the age of 28 Négo has won and achieved everything possible in the Hungarian League. This January or at the end of this season would be the perfect time for the Frenchman to part ways with Fehérvár and test himself in a more competitive league.
Obinna Nwobodo – 23 – Újpest – Winger
When Obinna Nwobodo arrived at Újpest from Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers in 2017, fans had no idea what to expect. However, proving to be a vital addition to the team, he quickly established himself in the starting XI.
Primarily a winger, Nwobodo has been deployed all over the pitch by manager Nebojša Vignjević over since his arrival, including defensive midfielder and outright striker. He is by far the most creative and technical player in an otherwise average Újpest side. Using his bag of tricks and skills, he glides past players and cuts inside to find a team mate or finish the move himself by having a shot at goal. One of his stand-out performances was against Sevilla in the Europa League qualifiers last season, where he was very dangerous on counter attacks and regularly outran and passed opposition players.
Year-on-year, Nwobodo has improved his goals and assists statistics from the previous season. Many Újpest fans were expecting him to leave at the end of last season to a better league, however, Újpest have managed to keep hold of him for the time being. Knowing owner Roderick Duchâtelet and his willingness to make a quick sale, clubs may be able to buy him at a price close to his €500,000 Transfermarkt valuation.
@tomicserep
Featured image: goal.com.
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