As we have already informed, FC Sheriff has signed the Dutch footballer - Dabney dos Santos Souza.

 

The Dutch midfielder is only 24 years old, but the former Heracles FC player already has extensive experience in the highest league of the Eredivisie, as well as in the qualifying rounds and the group stage of the Europa League. Today we will take a closer look at the newcomer of our team.

 

- Dabney, tell us about the beginning of your career and how did you motivate yourself before moving to FC Sheriff? Surely, it was not an easy step for you, because you played only in one country - the Netherlands.

- My path in football is no different from others. At the age of 17, I already started playing at a professional level. The main thing now is that this path led me to another country and to another championship. A new team, a new club - that's what I need to focus on now. This is not an easy decision for me. The new country is unfamiliar to me. I need to adapt. But the main thing is a new step forward, a new chance to develop in my career.

 

- How did you get in AZ Alkmaar?

- AZ will forever remain in my heart, there I became a professional player. There I was raised as a player and as a person. I started at the Alkmaar Academy and graduated with a professional first team. This has enriched me a lot in terms of football and beyond. Then I was sent on loan to Sparta. In Rotterdam, in principle, everything went well, I am also grateful to them for everything. After that I got in Heracles.

 

- Are you satisfied with your game and statistics for Heracles?

- Frankly speaking, no, I'm not happy with the way everything went there. I was on the bench, as a good player already played in my position. It took a long time, and I got my chance only in the second season for me. In that debut game, everything turned out like in a nightmare. We lost it with a crushing score. A difficult period for me. What can not be said about the period of my career at AZ - more game practice, more goals, more assists, more development for me and my team.

 

- Tell us about your experience of playing in the Europa League.

- Yes, I have such experience, for me this tournament is not something new. Unfortunately, we no longer play in the Champions League, and I would very much like to debut in this tournament. We will set to the Europa League, a strong tournament in which we need to pass as far as possible in the bracket.

 

- Sheriff always has the task of winning the Championship and qualifying for the next season in the Champions League. So you will have the opportunity to help the team and play in this prestigious tournament next season ...

- Yes, everything is natural, you need to work hard to earn for yourself and for the team the opportunity to participate in prestigious European tournaments. I'm already training with the team. In my opinion, good players are gathered here. My experience tells me that we are able to reach the group stage of the Europa League. We will work hard and put our plans into practice.

 

- In our Championship, many teams play in defense against Sheriff. Are you ready to destroy  opponents' defenses with positional play in the new team?

- It is well known that outsiders often play with favorites with this tactic. This shouldn't be a problem for us. Any defense can be destroyed. Of course, I feel more comfortable when there is a lot of space, but I love creative football more. We need creativity and high speeds. These are not all strengths against deep defense. Having even these advantages, you can achieve a positive result.

 

- You have already managed to meet with one of our possible rivals in the Europa League - FC Dundalk, it was in 2016. What can you say about the game of the Irish?

- Yes, I remember that game with Dundalk players, then in Ireland it was very cold and uncomfortable for us. They demonstrate power football with distant shots and wrestling in the air. Physically they are stronger, but for me such teams are passable. Speed, short passes, creativity - these are the tools that make it possible to defeat such rivals.

 

- Have you set goals for yourself in the new club?

- I would like to achieve the same success in Moldova as I achieved playing for AZ. I haven’t won the national championship for a long time, I'd like to demonstrate my strong game and finally raise the cup over my head.

FC Sheriff Press Office