For most D.C. United players, Saturday night’s showdownagainst Paris St. Germain is a first opportunity to test themselves againstsome of Europe’s biggest stars.
A select few, however, have already done so. We spoke with them this week:
EMILIANO DUDAR
The experienced defender has played in leagues all over theworld, but it was in his native Argentina that Dudar crossed paths withEzequiel Lavezzi. While withIndependiente during the 2003-2004 season, Dudar faced Lavezzi who was playingfor San Lorenzo at the time.
“You could already tell he was a difference maker,” Dudarsaid in a Spanish-language interview Thursday afternoon. “Then he went to Italy and got evenbetter. He is a very importantplayer. You can’t give him time to think because he can make a huge play at anymoment.”
HAMDI SALIHI
Salihi has faced off against PSG’s newest star, ZlatanIbrahimovic, on multiple occasions. In World Cup 2010 qualifying, Salihi’s Albanian squad met Ibra’s Swedishside twice in Group 1 play. Despite starting in both matches, Ibrahimovic was held scoreless by theAlbanians – while Salihi netted his second international goal in a 4-1 defeatat Stockholm’s Rasunda Stadium.
“He looks big in television but I think he is bigger inperson,” said Salihi. “He is inthe top three [strikers in the world]. You cannot find players like this, with his physique and hisquality.”
BRANKO BOSKOVIC
The Montenegrin made 36 league appearances during a two-yearstint with Paris St. Germain from 2003 to 2005. Much of the French club’s roster has been overturned sinceBoskovic left, but he still counts current PSG defender Sylvain Armand as afriend.
Earlier this week, we asked the graceful midfielder todescribe PSG’s home field – Parc des Princes.
“The fans were really good and a little bit dangerous,”Boskovic recalled. “It’s not easy when you play in Parc des Princes. Their fans have a great tradition, likehere in D.C. United.”
