After their bye weekend, Ufuk Talay’s side have to play Perth Glory, Melbourne City, Western United and Sydney FC as they try to cement their place in the top six. The Phoenix lost earlier in the season to the leagues historic big dogs, but with a little luck and a little bit of quality Hudson-Wihongi believes the Yellow and Black can come away from those games with points on the board.
“We played well both times against Sydney, we were unfortunate not to get the win here (at home). I wasn’t here for the Perth game, and then Melbourne City was 3-2 so they’ve all been close games so hopefully we can nick a few points out of there were in a good run of form.”
Pressure On His Shoulders
Ulises Davila has scored 10 times and registered three assists during his debut A-League campaign and Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi rates him extremely highly. “For me he’s the best player in the league and has rightfully been awarded player of the month,” said the defender.
“He’s been doing it all season, he’s probably our most consistent player and 10 goals for an attacking midfielder is a lot of goals so hopefully he can continue.”
The Kiwi native has been watching his Mexican teammate from the bench as he’s only been handed five appearances since moving into the professional game. The 24-year-old has had an interesting route to the A-League and had a spell in American, sandwiched between time spent in New Zealand amateur football.
Perfect for the System
Curiously, he’s also played more times for his country than in the A-League as has been kept on the bench by the superb partnership between Steven Taylor and Luke DeVere. But the Aukland native plays in the way Talay wants and looks perfect for the Nix set-up.
“I feel most comfortable at center-back,” he said. “Obviously I like playing out from the back and that’s how Ufey (Talay) likes to play, so hopefully when I get my chance I can bring that to the team.”
The Phoenix may be looking to Davila to propel them to victory, but they’ve got a ready made local on the bench who is more than comfortable with the team’s approach and could still play a vital role in the second half of the season.