Denilson aiming for AGL title with Al Wahda after victory over Al Ain

Matt Jones - Editor 05:51 28/09/2015
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  • Enjoying life: Denilson.

    Brazilian midfielder Denilson believes Al Wahda are among the leading group of candidates to lift the Arabian Gulf League title this season.

    The 27-year-old former Arsenal man shone for the Clarets in their impressive 2-1 victory over reigning champions Al Ain on Saturday night, Sebastian Tagliabue’s brace snapping a two-game losing streak for Javier Aguirre’s side.

    Denilson has taken time to acclimatise to the AGL but put in a man-of-the-match display against the Boss, an all-round midfielders’ display which featured him keeping possession neatly, excellent distribution and a tireless work ethic.

    “I am enjoying my time here,” he said after the game, the result finally sparking the men from Al Nahyan Stadium’s season into life following 1-0 and 3-2 defeats to Al Shabab and Al Jazira respectively.

    “We have many games and we have to keep the focus going, every game. We have to be strong because there are very strong games in this league.”

    Asked what he thinks Wahda are capable of this season, Denilson believes the Clarets are a leading candidate for the championship.

    “Al Ahli, Al Ain, Al Nasr, Al Jazira are there with us but I think we can win this year. I think we prepare to win the cup for this season. We are much stronger this season,” said the midfielder acquired from Sao Paulo in the summer.

    “We lost against Shabab and then lost against Al Jazira, so this game is the most important for us in keeping the dream of winning the competition alive. I think the main thing is to have good players.”

    Unlike many new arrivals in the UAE, the man who finished runner-up with his country at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship spoke wisely about Wahda’s main rivals in the title race, admitting he knew the importance of the Emirates Clasico beforehand.

    “They have a brilliant team and when they come to play you have to keep strong in the field. It is most important to win the three points.”

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