Bence Dárdai – The Hungarian Prince by Jake McGhee
Introduction
Dárdai is a surname well known amongst both German and Hungarian football fans alike, Pál Dárdai is a Hertha Berlin and Hungary legend in his own right both as a player and a coach and it seems that footballing abilities run in the Dárdai family.
Palkó and Márton Dárdai are both Pál’s sons and he looks to have done it again with the rise of Bence, all players in the Dárdai family have been intertwined with Hertha BSC growing up but Bence has flown the nest to Wolfsburg where he’s quickly making a name for himself becoming the youngest Bundesliga goalscorer for Die Wölfe.
Having grown up in a heavy football-centric environment it should come as no surprise that Bence is making waves across German and Hungarian football and thrusting himself into the spotlight as one of the next biggest things in the Bundesliga.
Dárdai is primarily a midfielder who excels in both central and attacking roles showcasing his versatility and tactical knack beyond his years and at only 18 years old he is quickly generating attention and turning heads with Hungary boss Rossi already noting his intent to call up Bence to the NT and pry him away from Germany who he has played for at youth level already.
Playstyle
Despite being in the early stages of her career his technicality on the ball, football IQ and industrious work ethic have set the blueprints of a top, versatile midfielder. His afore mentioned technicality is a strong aspect of his game, a natural ball carrier coupled with fantastic close control allow him to drive the team forward in attacks or turnover situations, his lanky 6”2 frame allow for him to be an oddly illusive dribbler who can quickly knock the ball out of reach of his opponents and get his body between the man and the ball. Bence is a relatively two footed player when dribbling which unlocks another facet and avenue in Wolfsburg’s attacks as he can mix things up and keep defenders guessing with quick, sharp turns and great use of his body to afford himself time on the ball.
Bence is sometimes guilty of taking too much time on the ball and being outmuscled as a result of his age and relative lack of physical development which is only natural for an 18 year old playing in a highly physical and intense league, improving both his core strength and stamina to help him hold his own more efficiently in these pressured situations would greatly benefit Bence’s cause.
The versatility and willingness he shows to play wherever suits the team best are a testament to Bence’s character, a true team player who excels in his preferred 10 role but also isn’t afraid to drop deeper and do more dirty, laborious work for the benefit of the team. This adaptability and can-do attitude make him a valuable asset to Wolfsburg who look to implement young talent into different tactical approaches for different stages of the game.
Bence reads the game very well, likely as a result of being immersed in football all his life and having experienced mentors around him. His positioning in defensive situations allows him to make crucial interceptions whilst often being further up the pitch creating a turnover and allowing Wolfsburg to get on the front foot and Bence to exploit the spaces and draw in defenders. His off the ball pressing in a midfield unit also highlights Bence’s ability to work in a fluid pivot or midfield triangle and hurry opponents in coordination with the rest of the team. However due to his age he is liable to make a mistake or lose his man in these high pressure defensive situations, he is guilty of sometimes fading out of games and suffering from high presses leading to a panicked and misplaced pass or a poor decision, this is a common trait in young footballers and more match-experience will soon iron this flaw out of his game.
Dardái’s passing and his football IQ go hand in hand, he is brilliant in short , sharp combination play in the final third to open up a gap and create a goal-scoring opportunity. Bence is a very effective playmaker who has a wide array of passing, he is comfortable playing long diagonal balls to wingers making runs down the line or playing incisive through balls to strikers playing off the shoulder of the last defender. The one touch passing he displays is another key aspect of his game, another testament to his ability to play simple or make daring pass attempts when the match suits.
Despite having a good shot Dárdai’s decision making isn’t always ideal, his eyes sometimes light up when presented with the opportunity to shoot and rushes his chance instead of picking his head up and finding a team-mate who is in a better position, his composure and shot selection needs development and with this his overall contribution will improve infront of goal.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly one of the most promising young midfielders in the Bundesliga Dárdai has an incredibly high ceiling, the rich footballing heritage that surrounds him and experience in the career of being a professional footballer are some of the most important factors in his career to mentor and advise him going forward in his career. With continual physical development to make the most of his frame and steady first-team experience Bence will polish off the rougher sides of his game to become an incredibly well rounded and versatile midfielder. Liverpool had previously expressed an interest in Dárdai which goes to show the potential that top clubs believe he has, however staying in his native Germany and solidifying a place in Wolfsburg’s team will do him a world of good as he gets real match experience in a familiar league before deciding if he wants to make the leap abroad.
Internationally speaking Bence also has decisions to make, continuing with Germany at youth level and working towards breaking into Die Mannschaft or representing Hungary and following in his fathers footsteps.