An interview with Andras Nemeth, by Ben McFadyean.
András, you are regarded as one of the up-and-coming talents of the Hungary team. How does that feel for you, and how would you describe your style of play?
“It is good to hear that, but I think we have many great players in Hungary, including in the U21 team. The way I play is what is needed for the team; my focus is to play well enough to function within the system.”
You were born in South Africa but have lived most of your life in Hungary. What are the differences for you?
“I was very young when we lived in South Africa, and I never played football there, so it is difficult to compare, but Hungary is home for me.”
Could you imagine playing for “Bafana Bafana, ” newly qualified for the African Cup of Nations?
“I want to play at the World Cup, that’s for sure. I don’t know what will happen, but I am happy playing for Hungary at this time.”
You played five seasons in Belgium; how was the experience?
“I had a great development in the youth at Genk. I was even the leading scorer at the Ferenc Puskas tournament, which we won ahead of Real Madrid and Bayern. That was great. Genk is a top club in Belgium for me for sure. Our club was always being visited by many international agents, and then I got a chance to move.”
Can you see yourself playing in the Premier League?
“Every player would like to play in the Premier League; I am a fan of Manchester United, so of course I would love to play for them. It may happen. I want to play in the Champions League, and that’s my priority now.”
Borussia Dortmund is famous for developing youth. Would BVB be a club you would like to play for?
“I follow some Dortmund matches on TV. They are a huge club with great fans and a great stadium, which is always interesting for any player.”
As Hungary U21 manager Zoltán Gera commented in an interview, he can see you: “playing in the Bundesliga soon.” How does that make you feel?
“I am working hard now and want to be part of the first team here, but I am happy to have the support.”
András Németh is a twenty-two-year-old striker, a product of the academy of 6-time Hungarian champions Budapest-based Vasas FC; he is on loan from Hamburger SV at 2. Bundesliga side Preußen Münster.
In 2016, the highly regarded Hungarian moved to Belgian second-tier club Sporting Hasselt. Between 2016 and 20, Nemeth played for Genk but was loaned to second-tier SK Lommel, for which he made two appearances in 20/21.
On 22/23, he was loaned out to 2019 Belgian champion KRC Genk. He scored 1 goal in 4 games in the Belgian Challenger Pro League, the second tier, for Jong Genk, the U23s of the 4-time Belgian champions. The Cape Town-born player made 18 appearances for the senior side and scored two goals.
In terms of international appearances, Nemeth, who has strong aerial ability and outstanding skills on the ball, played for Hungary at the UEFA U17 European Championship and FIFA U17 World Championship in 2019. He made 18 appearances for the Magyars at U21 level and scored ten impressive goals.
His senior international debut for the Hungary senior side was 2-2 against Luxemburg on 17 November 2022. Nemeth has accumulated four senior caps to date. His most recent appearance was in a European Championship qualifying match against Bulgaria in November 2023, which ended 2-2.
Amid interest from English clubs, including from Sunderland, on 24 January 2023, the South African-born player signed a contract with Hamburger SV for a transfer fee of €750,000 and a contract until 2026. With the 1983 European Cup winners, in spite of a serious ankle injury which kept him out for over two months, Andras made 39 appearances and scored two goals.
At the start of the 24/25 season, the 6-foot-2 player, who can also play on either wing, joined the newly promoted second-tier Preußen Münster. This season, he has made seven appearances for the side managed by former 1 FC Kaiserslautern manager Sascha Hildmann.