Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi is one of Auckland City FC’s most versatile centre-backs, who helped the Navy Blues take out top honours in last year’s 2017/18 ISPS Handa Premiership.

A standout for New Zealand at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup on home soil, Hudson-Wihongi has since been in and out on the international scene for the All Whites, collecting eight senior caps in the process.

We caught up with Hudson-Wihongi to find out a little bit more about the Centre-Back and how he got started in football.

Here are five facts to know about Auckland City FC Defender, Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi.

Hudson-Wihongi began playing football at Waitakere City

Beginning his footballing adventure, Hudson-Wihongi began playing football at West Auckland outfit, Waitakere City FC. The tall centre-back started playing football at the same time as his best friend and thoroughly enjoyed his junior days at the club.

 Zinedine Zidane, Hudson-Wihongi’s footballing hero

Growing up in the 00’s, Hudson-Wihongi’s footballing idol was French midfielder, Zinedine Zidane. Before making the transition to a Centre-Back role, Hudson-Wihongi played in the centre of the pitch, following the footsteps of the great Zidane. It wasn’t until Auckland City FC Head Coach, Ramon Tribulietx converted the midfielder to a centre-back.

Hudson-Wihongi joined the Asia Pacific Football Academy

In 2010, Hudson-Wihongi made the move from Auckland to Christchurch to join the Asia Pacific Football Academy, along with current All Whites, Bill Tuiloma and Cameron Howieson. It was there where Hudson-Wihongi developed as a footballer and earned himself a place in a youth team overseas.

Hudson-Wihongi made the move to Real Salt Lake Academy (U18s)

Two years after joining the APFA, Hudson-Wihongi earned himself a place in a professional environment and made the move to the states, where he made appearances for Real Salt Lake’s U18 side. After a two-to-three-year spell in the states, Hudson-Wihongi returned to New Zealand to link up with the Wanderers SC, which was a buildup team for the 2015 U20 FIFA World Cup.

He supports Manchester United

As well as being one of New Zealand’s top footballers, Hudson-Wihongi is a supporter of Manchester United. We just wonder what would happen if Zidane signed for Manchester City FC.

Article supplied for Auckland City FC.

ENDS

Article added: Saturday 08 December 2018