Diego Castro and Andy Keogh may grab the headlines, but two unheralded Hungarians have been at the heart of Perth Glory’s stunning revival.
The rise of Perth Glory has been an intriguing plotline in one of the A-League’s most exciting seasons. Everyone knows their deal by now; bottom of the table in December, they have turned their fortunes around in the past few months, culminating in 10 wins from their last 11 games. With one game left, a spot in the finals guaranteed and a potential top four spot up for grabs, it has been a remarkable turnaround.
There has been a mixture of reasons behind Perth’s scintillating form. Kenny Lowe deserves some credit for finding a winning formula and sticking to it, while motivating his charges to turn around their torrid season and climb the ladder. Diego Castro and Andy Keogh have provided firepower up front and have turned Perth into one of the league’s most entertaining teams, while Josh Risdon has earned plaudits and a Socceroos call-up for his performances at right-back. But there has been less noise about Perth’s Hungarian central midfield pairing of Gyorgy Sandor and Krisztian Vadocz.
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Sandor has been slowly winning fans over, as two goals early in the season helped get him onside with fans. The cultured midfielder has been one of the first names on Kenny Lowe’s team sheet, thanks to his vision, composure and distribution.
The more creative of the pair, he has been afforded more freedom to push forward since Vadocz’s arrival. He showcased his attacking instincts during Perth’s recent win over Melbourne City, bursting through the middle of the park to collect Keogh’s looped pass, surge towards goal and place the ball beyond Thomas Sorensen and into the net.
For the first half of the season, Sandor was forced to sit deeper, but the signing of Vadocz has allowed him to roam with more freedom. His compatriot is more disciplined and generally sits deeper, although he has shown the potential to do some damage when he does gallop forward.
The Glory missed Rostyn Griffiths dearly during their barren run this season, but Vadocz has more than adequately filled his large (literal and metaphorical) boots. He is nimble enough that his 6’2 frame does not hinder his movement, but still physical enough to harry opponents and win the ball. Once he has won the ball, he looks to move the ball quickly and start the next attack.
When Perth do not have possession, both are quick to get behind the ball and mark up. Keogh and Castro’s willingness to work back helps the pair by dealing the back four and holding midfielder, which in turn allows Vadocz and Sandor to tightly mark the two central midfielders.
This was put to great effect in the victory over City, as Vadocz minimised the impact of the favourite for Johnny Warren Medal, Aaron Mooy, while Sandor kept Anthony Caceres quiet. They were able to press their opponents higher up the pitch and not allow them time and space, safe in the knowledge Alex Grant and Shane Lowry would be able to deal with any attempts to catch the defence out through the air.
When they did win the ball back in central midfield (which was often on Sunday night), they looked to move the ball quickly, either to their partner in crime in the middle of the park, or to the wings to start a quick counter attack. On numerous occasions, Melbourne City allowed Sandor and Vadocz far too much time on the ball.
When presented with the opportunity, Sandor looked to attack the space and link up with Keogh and Castro while Vadocz favoured a long ball over the top of the full back to send the Glory on the attack. If this was not on, a simple pass into space for Perth’s wide midfielders and fullbacks to collect sufficed. Whenever they were given time and space, Sandor and Vadocz were able to pick out a dangerous pass and punish Melbourne City.
They may not make the headlines like some of their more celebrated teammates, but the work of Sandor and Vadocz has helped Perth to become title contenders. The pair’s chemistry and understanding may go unnoticed at times, but make no mistake, Perth’s midfield had improved tenfold since they started their partnership back in January.
Their hard work and willingness to do the unfashionable, simple things which don’t capture the public’s imagination in the way a goal or assist do has played a major role in Perth’s great form. If they are to do what was impossible four months and lift The Toilet Seat come season’s end, Sandor and Vadocz will have to be at their best.
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