Play-offs: take two
Bulgaria v Hungary
1 Sizzling Szoboszlai
RB Salzburg attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is, to put it simply, the most accomplished young player to come out of Hungary in many a long year. This all-or-nothing clash is an opportunity to grab the spotlight for the elegant playmaker, who only turns 20 at the end of October. Hungary coach Marco Rossi confidently predicts that the teenager will be a world-class performer in two or three years.
2 Bulgaria’s fab full-backs
In the line-up put together by coach Georgi Dermendzhiev, Bulgaria look the strongest in the full-back department. On the left, Ludogorets’ Anton Nedyalkov combines grit, resourcefulness and experience while on the opposite flank, newly-naturalised Brazilian Cicinho – also a key figure for domestic champions Ludogorets – offers all the flamboyant attacking qualities you would expect from someone of his South American background.
3 Hungary’s Bielsa
The Italian Marco Rossi, Hungary’s boss for the past two years, is a proud adherent of the Marcelo Bielsa coaching philosophy, having played under him at Mexican side Club America. He places a premium on quick passing, high, intense pressing and dominating possession, and while it does not always work out with Hungary’s limited squad, the Magyars are well-drilled and courageous.
4 Bulgarian exports
Foreign-based players have a vital role to play in Dermendzhiev’s side. Much is expected of two attack-minded 23-year-olds: midfielder Bozhidar Kraev, currently in Denmark with Midtjylland, and Cagliari forward Kiril Despodov, who was excellent on loan at Sturm Graz last season. Vice-captain Georgi Kostadinov plays for Arsenal Tula in Russia, while centre-back Vasil Bozhikov, skipper of Slovakians Slovan Bratislava, will also feature prominently.
5 The Leipzig core
It’s Hungary’s good fortune that they can count on not one but two players from leading Bundesliga outfit
