Chile’s Copa America star Jorge Valdivia has promised Al Wahda fans there is more to come from him following a stuttering start to his second stint in the UAE.
The 32-year-old playmaker has dazzled in spells at Al Nahyan Stadium since arriving in the summer, but a muscle strain and two long-haul trips to South America to play 2018 World Cup qualifiers for his national team have curtailed his impact.
Valdivia was simply stunning as Wahda inflicted reigning Arabian Gulf League champions and current league leaders Al Ain’s only
Despite a virtuoso display against his former side, a 2-1 win which included a brilliant assist for Sebastian Tagliabue’s winning goal, Valdivia’s talent has been flaunted all too fleetingly since his protracted move from Brazil’s Palmeiras was completed in August.
“I hope to reach the level expected of me and reach the level I was playing at in the Copa America,” the 73-times capped Valdivia said ahead of today’s league match at home to Sharjah.
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“That’s what I am trying to do, to be ready physically to play the full 90 minutes, especially as in the last game I participated for half an hour only.
“I was feeling some muscle pain because of travelling with the national team and I want to be at my best level to help the team.
“I went a full month without playing a match (for Wahda) and I have been travelling for long periods, so of course, that will affect the level of any player.”
Striker Sebastian Tagliabue sits atop the AGL scoring charts with 12 goals, yet the Clarets are only sixth following five wins and five defeats.
New Sharjah coach Abdulaziz Al Anbari, says he is counting on his players’ fighting spirit to help them stave off relegation.
“I still consider myself new to this team, things have changed for me and for the players, and we are trying to change the system completely and this needs time to adapt,” said Al Anbari.