An instinctive rapport between Hungarian midfielders Gyorgy Sandor and Krisztian Vadocz has been critical to Perth Glory’s turnaround this season.
The duo, who first met as part of Hungary’s Under 21 national team over a decade ago, have bucked the current Hyundai A-League trend, which idolises Spanish holding midfielders.
Western Sydney Wanderers pair of Andreu and Dimas, plus Brisbane Roar’s Corona, grabbed the early headlines this season, while Isaias helped Adelaide United lift the Premiers Plate.
But according to Sandor, Glory’s Hungarian engine room could have the last laugh as Perth target the A-League championship ahead of their elimination final against Melbourne City on Sunday.
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“I’m not afraid of any team,” Sandor told Goal Australia on Friday.
“I have a wish. I want to play a home final and I know that will only be realised if Melbourne Victory will beat all the opponents in front of them and, of course, we do as well.
“So I want to play the grand final at home in Perth but if not, doesn’t matter who we play. We’ll be proud to reach the grand final, and we’ll want to win it as well.”
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Glory’s season started poorly with just three wins in their opening 13 matches, before coach Kenny Lowe got busy in January.
Vadocz was one of Perth’s five mid-season recruits, with the 30-year-old starting Glory’s last 10 matches, helping them to eight victories and a spot in the A-League finals.
“We had a couple of new signings. They made the difference but we shouldn’t forget about the job of the [coaching] staff,” Sandor said.
“They had to build up a new team, a completely new team and they did well.”
Sandor and Vadocz first combined in Glory’s midfield in a 1-0 win away to Wellington Phoenix in February, and the former claims they immediately had an understanding on the pitch that went beyond their mother tongue.
“We are both box-to-box midfield players and it’s automatic when one of us is involved in attack, the other one just keeps the balance,” Sandor said.
“I think it’s normal.”
Perth fans will hope Sandor and Vadocz’s strong connection can lead Glory to only the second Hyundai A-League grand final in their history.
