EXCLUSIVEMeet the Slovakia stars plotting England’s downfall: Former Premier League star Ondrej Duda reveals all about his team-mates ahead of Euro 2024 last-16 showdown
As the Euro 2024 tournament heats up, England is set to face off against Slovakia in the last 16, and while many English fans may not be familiar with the Slovakian squad, one of their midfielders, Ondrej Duda, has given us a glimpse into the personalities and traits of his teammates. In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, Duda, who played for Norwich in the 2019-20 season, has spilled the details on who can cause trouble for England, who are the dressing room entertainers, and who is the Slovakian equivalent of Ben White, hardly watching football. With Slovakia looking to make it to the quarter-finals for the first time, Duda’s insights provide a fascinating look into the team’s dynamics and what England can expect on Sunday.
Duda starts by describing his teammates, beginning with Martin Dubravka, the experienced goalkeeper who has played in the Premier League. According to Duda, Dubravka is a funny guy who is always in his own world, but his experience and skills make him a crucial player for the team. Then there’s Peter Pekarik, a player with an incredible mentality and passion for football, who even on his days off, can be found in the gym or doing recovery work. Duda uses Pekarik as an example for the young players, demonstrating the importance of dedication and hard work. Another teammate, Denis Vavro, is described as someone who doesn’t watch much football when he doesn’t have to, but this doesn’t seem to affect his performance on the pitch. In fact, Vavro is often found watching games with the rest of the squad, and his laid-back approach to the game might even be beneficial for his mental health.
The Slovakian team is not short on talent, and Duda highlights several players who could potentially cause trouble for England. One such player is Lukas Haraslin, who is very quick and has excellent one-on-one skills, making him a formidable opponent in modern football. Another player to watch out for is Ivan Schranz, who is unpredictable and has already scored twice in the tournament. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Schranz is on a hot streak, and Duda is thrilled to see him performing well. Additionally, David Strelec is a young player with huge potential, but Duda emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication for Strelec to reach his full potential. With players like these, Slovakia is sure to give England a run for their money on Sunday.
Duda also shares some lighthearted anecdotes about his teammates, revealing that Milan Skriniar, the captain, is a funny and humble guy who loves to play card games and is always joking around. Skriniar has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, but despite his impressive resume, he remains down-to-earth and a great teammate. Another player with a great sense of humor is Juraj Kucka, who likes to do nutmegs, although his last attempt ended with him getting a bloody nose. Kucka also speaks excellent Italian, having played in Italy for nearly nine years. These personal stories humanize the Slovakian players and show that, despite their tough exterior, they are a fun and entertaining bunch.
As Duda reflects on the team’s dynamics, he praises the coaching of Francesco Calzona, who has brought a new sense of excitement and attacking flair to the team. Under Calzona’s guidance, Duda has found a new sense of joy in playing for Slovakia, and the team is feeling calm and ready for the challenge against England. With no reason to feel stressed, the Slovakian players are looking forward to the game as a celebration of football, and they are determined to enjoy the experience. As Duda notes, the team has a great mix of experienced players and young talent, and they are all eager to make a mark on the tournament.
In conclusion, Ondrej Duda’s insights into the Slovakian team have given us a unique perspective on the players who will be facing England on Sunday. From the experienced and passionate Peter Pekarik to the quick and skilled Lukas Haraslin, and from the humorous Milan Skriniar to the unpredictable Ivan Schranz, the Slovakian team is full of characters and talent. As England prepares to take on Slovakia, they would do well to remember that this is a team that is not to be underestimated, and that they have the potential to cause a major upset in the tournament. With their attacking style of play and their determination to enjoy the game, Slovakia is sure to give England a tough match, and it will be exciting to see how it all plays out on Sunday.
