Twardek dreams of teaming up with Bayern star

IT’s a far cry from the Champions League final to the Europa League qualifiers but the reach of Canada’s professional footballers continues to expand. Just as Alphonso Davies, of Edmonton via Ghana, has scaled the heights with Bayern Munich, so Kris Twardek, of Ottawa via Ostrava, is flying the maple leaf with distinction at Bohemians. The 23-year-old winger has been an instant hit in his debut season at Dalymount and seeks to deliver on a higher stage in Hungary tomorrow when Bohs face Fehervar in the Europa League. Articulate and bright,

Twardek is acutely aware of the profile Davies has given the sport through his Champions League exploits. ‘For a Canadian to do that and with football now being the biggest grassroots’ sport, it’s huge for the country with the World Cup coming to Canada in 2026,’ said Twardek yesterday. ‘With the new Canadian Premier

League starting as well, Canadian soccer is growing. ‘Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to play with Alphonso yet but the progress that he has made has been incredible. ‘I know a lot of the players that were with him when he was back with Edmonton. He was a winger and now he’s been transformed into a left-back.

He’s probably the best in the world right now.’ Twardek is braced for a tough night against a Fehervar side that includes former MLS striker Nemanja Nikolic, scorer of 56 goals in 104 games for Chicago Fire. ‘We’re playing against a top side. It will be interesting to compete against a top MLS player,’ he said.