Jorge Valdivia firing Al Wahda’s Arabian Gulf League title ambitions

Matt Jones - Editor 21:45 28/09/2015
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  • Jorge Valdivia continues to impress with Al Wahda in the Arabian Gulf League.

    There was something potently South American about the result which could well spark Al Wahda season’s into life.

    The Clarets will be hoping their 2-1 victory against reigning champions Al Ain on Saturday will act as a catalyst to spur them on towards achieving their own ambitions of winning the Arabian Gulf League title.

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    At first glance you could be forgiven for thinking that Argentine striker Sebastian Tagliabue was the hero for Javier Aguirre’s side in the Emirates Clasico, the 30-year-old’s brace his ninth and tenth goals in six games in all competitions this season.

    However, delve a little deeper and Wahda’s win at Al Nahyan Stadium was also down to the brilliance of two other South Americans.

    Brazilian midfielder Denilson was the best player on the field, a bundle of energy between both boxes, while Chile international Jorge Valdivia proved he can be the creative spark that could genuinely turn Aguirre’s side into title contenders.

    “He is one player from another level. He’s amazing,” said Tagliabue of Valdivia.

    “He takes the ball, he plays for the team, he plays for himself. He plays and passes for me. This is what we need.”

    Despite the fact Wahda’s South American triumvirate flourished against the men from the Garden City, Tagliabue doesn’t necessarily believe it is the trio’s demographic proximity that can spring hope in the UAE.

    “It’s not about the South American connection. It’s not about the continent or the country, it’s about the feeling of the player,” said Tagliabue, who’s game-clinching second goal was orchestrated by the man who played six of Chile’s seven games as they won a maiden Copa America title in Argentina two months ago.

    “I have played with other Argentine and Brazilian players and we didn’t have the same feeling. I hope we continue like this.”

    Add in the fact that Aguirre is Mexican and there is a distinct latin flavor firing Wahda’s title ambitions.

    “Players like Valdivia are the kind who can rise to the big occasion, and he played a massive role in our victory,” said Aguirre.

    “He controlled the pace of the game whenever it mattered, made some excellent passes and created the second goal with a stand-out pass. We know how good he is and hope he can continue with the good work.”

    One player who doesn’t seem to be as enamored with Valdivia is Al Ain playmaker Omar Abdulrahman.

    The Boss and UAE talisman was emerging through the Al Ain ranks while Valdivia played in the Garden City between 2008-10, but claims not to have been influenced by the Chilean.

    “He is just a player on the other team,” said Amoori.

    “When he was in Al Ain I was the same player. I didn’t learn anything from him.”

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