Colorado Rapids coach impressed with Senegal's Dominique Badji

Friday Apr 06, 2018. 16:30

Colorado Rapids manager Anthony Hudson has hailed his striker in Senegal’s Dominique Badji after netting a hat-trick against Philadelphia Union last weekend.

The gaffer said the 25-year-old is a true professional since the beginning of 2018 and has an incredible attitude.

Badji also said he hopes his four league goals this season are just the beginning of better things to come as he also revealed his targets.

“I think what’s important with Badji is he’s almost had to carry a big weight on his shoulders for a long time and publicly we’ve gone after strikers and there’s been this big cry out for goals,” Hudson said.

“The Badji that I’ve worked with in the last couple of months quietly gets his head down, works hard and has an incredible attitude. Everything that’s been asked of him, he’s tried to do it and gets on with it.

“I’ve just been so impressed. He’s listening, he’s learning, he’s powerful, he’s quick, and now, he’s full of confidence.”

On the other hand, the West African hitman who finished 2017 with nine goals after setting a target of 10 goals, said he is not disappointed.

“For myself, I set a goal but came up short, but I’m just using that as fuel for 2018 and to get to the next level," revealed the striker.

“I knew [the Rapids front office] was going to be bringing in forwards and that the spots were going to be competitive.

“Coming in, I just wanted to be in the best shape I could be and once I was on the field, to perform.”