The Arabian Gulf League’s Golden Boot holder Sebastian Tagliabue is convinced the returns of crocked hot shots Mirko Vucinic and Lima will inspire even greater goalscoring feats from him next season.
Tagliabue, 31, raced to an awe-inspiring 25 strikes in 26 games as the Clarets finished third last term. This was enough to secure a two-goal advantage over UAE international Ali Mabkhout.
The Argentinean’s bid was aided by unfortunate long-term injuries suffered by Al Ahli’s Lima and Al Jazira’s Vucinic. But with both predators taking the field in pre-season, a fearsome battle for the top-scorer honour lies ahead.
When asked at the launch of adidas’ #FirstNeverFollows search for the region’s fastest footballer – now open for trials at Dubai Sports World – whether the presence of the pair will bring out the best in him, Tagliabue replied: “For sure. Last season, before Lima got injured we were challenging each other.
“I hope this year, they and me do not get any injuries as it will be a great season. They are amazing players.
“I will do my job and it is very important for the league that players like this do not get big injuries.
“Every striker can feel alone when there are five or six goals between him and second (top scorer). It can make you relax a little.
“Always, it is good to challenge with another one. There is also Ali Mabkhout, he is a local player who challenged me last year.”
Central to the 2015/16 Foreign Player of the Year’s hopes of maintaining a strike rate of 68 goals in 71 top-flight games since his June 2013 arrival from Al Shabab Riyadh is the form of maverick Chile playmaker Jorge Valdivia.
Last summer’s heralded switch back to the UAE for the Al Ain icon did not live up to its billing. Despite coming off a stellar run of games in his nation’s Copa America triumph, only three assists and five goals were registered in 16 matches.
The volatile 32-year-old also picked up seven yellow cards and two bans. The first came on debut against Al Shabab in September because of an obscene gesture, while a wild forearm which connected with Ahli’s Khamis Esmail in February earned another suspension.
“I am like a fan, because to play with Jorge is something different,” Tagliabue insisted.
“He is an amazing player, an international player. Last year, we showed a lot together and connected very well.
“Of course, he, me, (Brazilian centre midfielder) Denilson, we have to give more and more. I expect to see even more from him (Valdivia) than he showed last year.”
Be among the first to trial adidas’ Speed of Light boots at Dubai Sports World from now until August 27