Mahdavikia the toast of Hamburg

AFC - Iranian international Mehdi Mahdavikia is the unsung star of Hamburg as the German club make a push for a European place next season. The diminutive midfielder sent a superlative cross for Japanese international Naohiro Takahara to level the game against Bayern Munich on Sunday, the 10th assist of the season that further stamps the ever improving quality of Mahdavikia.

Hamburg coach Kurt Jara said Mahdavikia is an important player in his team, saying that on song, Mahdavikia is one of the best right-sided players in Europe.

"Mahdavikia is an centrifugal part of the team’s plans, an important player of the squad," said Jara. "Mehdi knows how imperative he has become for Hamburg through the recent years and he doesn't need to boast anything to the public.

"When he's on the pitch, he is there 100% and helps the team a lot with his speed and swift movement.

"Mehdi is always ready to give his best and serve the team as good as possible. When he is fit, he is, in my eyes, one of the best right-wingers in Europe.

"Mehdi in his current shape is indispensable for HSV."

Reza Fazeli, the personal advisor for Mahdavikia, brushed away suggestions that the Iranian player is already thinking about a move with 18 months left on his Hamburg contract.

"We are not thinking about that [contract extension] now", said Fazeli. "Mahdavikia has another year on his contract and Hamburg's manager Beiersdorfer will be the first person we will lead talks with.