D. Gazdag Columbus Crew Midfielder #8 Performance Analysis and Season Highlights

Dániel Gazdag, now rocking the #8 for the Columbus Crew, is fast becoming a name you just can’t ignore in Major League Soccer. The guy brings years of experience from both club and international play, and wow, you can see that skill and vision every time he steps into the Crew’s midfield.

Honestly, if you want consistency, a nose for goal, and a work rate that doesn’t quit, Gazdag’s your guy. He’s the kind of player you notice even if you’re only half-watching.

When you tune in to Crew games this season, keep an eye on Gazdag’s movement—he’s sneaky with those late runs from deep. Defenses get caught flat-footed, and suddenly the Crew have a real chance on goal.

Already, Gazdag’s chipped in with goals and assists, giving Columbus a dynamic new edge up front. Recent performance analyses back that up.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his early season stats:

Category	Stat 2025
Appearances	12
Goals	2
Assists	2

Dániel Gazdag’s Player Profile

Gazdag stands out in the midfield for his technique, vision, and that knack for showing up in big moments. Whether he’s wearing the Crew’s yellow or Hungary’s red, you see the same blend of experience and versatility.

Background and Early Life

Born in Nyíregyháza, Hungary, on March 2, 1996, Gazdag grew up in eastern Hungary, already obsessed with football as a kid. He kicked off his youth career with local clubs and then made his name at Budapest Honvéd FC.

There, he racked up over 200 appearances and helped Honvéd win the Hungarian NB I title in 2016-17. People started calling him a creative midfielder with a real engine.

National team coaches took notice. Gazdag got his Hungary debut in 2019.

His years in Hungary set him up for the jump to Major League Soccer, where he’s shown even more leadership and technical polish.

Physical Attributes and Style of Play

Gazdag stands 178 cm tall, which gives him decent height for a midfielder. He’s right-footed, quick in tight spaces, and really hard to knock off the ball.

He relies more on vision and technical skill than on pure speed. You’ll see him threading passes in crowded areas and finishing from all over—distance, close range, you name it.

He often acts as the central creative force, setting the pace and picking out key passes.

Defensively, Gazdag presses hard and wins the ball back. He anticipates plays and intercepts passes, adding value on both sides of the ball.

Statistic	Value
Height	178 cm
Foot	Right
Birthplace	Nyíregyháza, Hungary
Year Born	1996

Player Positions and Versatility

Gazdag prefers the attacking midfield role, but that’s not the only place he shines. For Columbus, he usually slots in as a No. 10, right behind the forwards, pulling the strings.

He’s also comfortable dropping deeper to help control play or support the defense. Sometimes, coaches push him out wide or up top as a second striker, depending on the situation.

You really get the most out of him when you move him around—he adapts and helps his teammates wherever he lines up. That flexibility has made him a key guy for both club and country. Check out his Columbus Crew player page for more.

Columbus Crew Integration

Since Gazdag arrived, the Crew’s midfield just feels different—quicker, more creative, and honestly, more unpredictable. His move was a big change, not just for him, but for the club’s whole approach.

Transition to Columbus Crew

The Crew brought Gazdag in as a designated player with a major cash-for-player deal from Philadelphia Union—$4 million plus up to $500,000 in incentives. That’s a big investment, but you get a guy who already knows MLS and can hit the ground running.

Fans expect a lot from new signings, but Gazdag showed right away that he could fit into the Crew’s system. His vision and relentless work ethic stood out from the start.

His knowledge of the American game helped him settle in fast. He’s used to adapting, and you can see that in how quickly he took on a leadership role. More on the move here: Columbus Crew designate Gazdag and trade details.

Number 8 Role and Responsibilities

Wearing the number 8, Gazdag anchors the midfield. He links defense to attack, covers a ton of ground, and either distributes the ball or shuts down the opposition.

He’s always available during transitions. Gazdag acts as both a facilitator and secondary scorer, which is exactly why the Crew gave him a contract extension through 2027, with an option for 2028.

The number 8 carries big responsibility—keep things moving, control tempo, and make those late runs into the box. That’s his bread and butter.

Key Stats at Columbus Crew:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2025	18	6	4

Expect those numbers to climb as the season goes on.

Collaboration with Teammates

Gazdag’s connection with his teammates makes a difference every game. He’s always talking with guys like Max Arfsten and Taha Habroune, timing runs and making sure the midfield stays tight.

His experience gives the younger players someone to look up to, especially in high-pressure matches. When he presses high with Mohamed Farsi or covers next to Steven Moreira, Gazdag’s game fits right into the Crew’s tactical approach.

Coaches trust him because he adapts, encourages, and leads by example in training. His player profile highlights that leadership.

MLS Career and Achievements

Gazdag’s time in Major League Soccer has been nothing short of impressive. He’s established himself as a creative midfielder and goal scorer at two different clubs.

Philadelphia Union Tenure

He joined the Philadelphia Union in 2021, coming over from Budapest Honvéd FC. Pretty quickly, he locked down a starting spot, playing as both an attacking midfielder and second striker.

Gazdag kept delivering in front of goal. Over his time in Philly, he scored 72 goals and set up 24 assists across all competitions, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer by the time he left.

He wasn’t just scoring—he was also making plays and putting in the hard yards every week.

Here’s a look at his Union stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021	23	5	4
2022	34	22	10
2023	33	17	6
2024	6	2	2

His performances helped make the Union a playoff regular. For more on his time in Philly, check out this detailed analysis.

MLS Regular Season Impacts

Gazdag made an impact in MLS from day one. Coaches used him in all kinds of roles, but he really thrived as a playmaker behind the striker.

He scored in key moments and stepped up in big games. In 2022, he hit a career-high 22 goals and finished in the league’s top five for scoring.

His passing vision set up teammates, and he always seemed to find the right spot. Gazdag’s passing accuracy and work rate put him among the league’s most reliable midfielders.

Opposing teams always kept a close eye on him—he was just as likely to set up a goal as to score it himself.

MLS Cup Appearances and Awards

Gazdag played a huge role in getting the Union to the MLS Cup final in 2022. They lost to LAFC on penalties, but his leadership and skill under pressure earned plenty of praise.

He came close to winning the MLS Golden Boot. With 22 goals in 2022, he was right in the mix for top individual honors and made the MLS Best XI that year.

Gazdag’s presence in big matches was massive for his team. He delivered when it counted, and that’s why people talk about him as one of MLS’s best midfielders.

For updates on his Crew role, check the Columbus Crew roster or his official MLS profile.

International Experience with Hungary

Dániel Gazdag has played a big part for Hungary’s national team, bringing consistency and poise on the international stage. His journey covers everything from his early appearances to major tournaments like the UEFA Nations League and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

National Team Debut and Key Matches

Let’s go back to 2019. That’s when Dániel Gazdag first put on the Hungary shirt and made his senior national team debut. He didn’t just fade into the background—coaches kept calling his number thanks to his sharp midfield play and that reliable tactical discipline.

He’s played in friendlies, qualifiers, and some big-time tournament matches. Remember those group games against Portugal, France, and Germany? Gazdag faced the challenge head-on, showing real composure whether he started or came off the bench.

Gazdag knows how to control the tempo and create chances. Coaches trust him when the game needs a steady hand or a spark in the middle.

UEFA Nations League and European Competitions

Gazdag has become a fixture in the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship cycle for Hungary. The Nations League, especially, puts him up against some of Europe’s best.

He’s gone toe-to-toe with England, Italy, and Germany, playing a part in Hungary’s most memorable results. Who can forget when Hungary held England to a draw or shocked Germany? Gazdag played his role, whether starting or coming off the bench.

Thanks to performances like those, Hungary’s reputation in these competitions has grown. Gazdag’s tactical flexibility helps the coach switch things up depending on the opponent.

Take a look at his Nations League record:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2020-2023	10	1	2

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

When Hungary lines up for World Cup qualifiers, Gazdag’s name is almost always there. He’s played in key games against Poland, Albania, and England.

Gazdag works hard in games where Hungary needs to slow down dangerous attacks. He’s not the main goal scorer, but he links play, breaks up attacks, and relieves pressure.

During the 2022 qualifying campaign, Gazdag started some matches and came off the bench in others. His ability to adapt keeps him in the squad rotation, no question.

International Goal and Appearance Records

By mid-2025, Dániel Gazdag has racked up over 30 caps for Hungary. He’s chipped in with several goals, usually from late runs into the box or set pieces.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his international stats:

Total Caps	Total Goals	Major Tournaments Appeared
34	4	UEFA Euro 2020, UEFA Nations League

Despite tough competition, Gazdag finds ways to contribute goals and assists. He’s earned his spot with the national team, and honestly, those numbers should only go up as his career rolls on.

Statistical Highlights

Let’s talk about his time with Columbus Crew. Gazdag’s impact jumps right off the stat sheet. Whether you’re looking at goals, assists, or just how he controls the midfield, he’s been a steady force.

Goal-Scoring Milestones

Gazdag isn’t your standard holding midfielder. He’s a real threat going forward. In the 2025 MLS season, he’s bagged 2 goals in 18 matches for Columbus Crew, keeping defenders on their toes.

Here’s a rundown of his latest goal-scoring stats:

Season	Matches Played	Goals Scored
2025 (so far)	18	2
Career (MLS total)	120+	30+

He’s turned up in the clutch, scoring game-winners and making the most of big moments. The Crew count on him as a reliable scoring option from midfield. For more on his numbers, check the Columbus Crew website.

Assists and Playmaking Record

Gazdag’s vision keeps Columbus ticking. He sets up strikers with consistent assists every season, living up to his reputation as a smart playmaker in tight spots.

He also takes set pieces and corners—shows you the trust he’s earned for his technical ability. Gazdag’s passing accuracy is right up there with the best on the team. He links up with the attackers, and coaches love what he brings to the table.

Take a look at his playmaking numbers and highlights on ESPN’s player page.

Appearances and Consistency

Gazdag’s durability is impressive. Since joining MLS, he’s finished most seasons with over 30 appearances. Injuries and suspensions? Pretty rare for him. In this current campaign, he’s almost always on the pitch.

Here’s how his recent appearance record stacks up:

Season	Matches Played	Minutes Played*
2025	18	1,600+
2024	32	2,800+

*Estimated minutes

He keeps himself fit and available for the big games. Want more on his consistency? Check his full player profile.

Club Career Before MLS

Before Gazdag made his move to MLS, he left his mark on Hungarian football. His years at Budapest Honvéd FC and in Hungary’s top division shaped him into a dependable midfielder who delivered season after season.

Budapest Honvéd FC Achievements

Gazdag’s name is pretty much synonymous with Budapest Honvéd FC. That’s where he built his foundation, playing from 2014 to 2021—a solid seven-year run as a key starter.

The 2016-17 season stands out. Gazdag played a big part in helping Honvéd win the Nemzeti Bajnokság I title. That was their first league crown in nearly 25 years, and he was right in the thick of it.

Here’s a look at his stats with Honvéd:

Season	Games Played	Goals	Assists
2014-15	4	0	0
2015-16	18	0	2
2016-17	25	3	2
2017-18	26	4	2
2018-19	26	8	5
2019-20	32	13	6
2020-21	29	13	6

You can see the steady climb—more games, more goals, more assists. Gazdag just kept getting better.

Development in Nemzeti Bajnokság I

Nemzeti Bajnokság I, Hungary’s top league, gave Gazdag the chance to test himself against the country’s best. Year after year, he sharpened his skills, learned how to control matches, and made key passes under pressure.

The league isn’t easy. It demands skill and a little bit of grit. Gazdag took on experienced defenders, quick midfields, and just kept adapting. He got better on the ball with every match.

His performances started to draw attention from scouts and managers. Local fans in Budapest and Nyíregyháza watched as their hometown guy made waves on the national stage.

Early Career Progression

Gazdag grew up in Nyíregyháza and kicked off his football journey with a local club before moving to Budapest Honvéd’s academy. If you’re interested in stories of hard work, his is a good one.

He rose through the youth ranks and made his first-team debut by age 18. Coaches pointed out his work ethic and how quickly he learned. Early minutes on the pitch set him up for bigger things.

The support back home and Honvéd’s focus on youth development helped shape his rise. By 25, he’d already stacked up more than 200 senior appearances in Hungary, proving himself long before he ever set foot in MLS.

Transfers and Contracts

Daniel Gazdag’s path to Columbus Crew has included big transfer fees, a headline move to Major League Soccer, and a fresh contract to lock him in as a designated player. His arrival adds depth and technical ability to the Crew midfield.

Transfer to Major League Soccer

Gazdag first caught international eyes at Budapest Honvéd. His standout play in Hungary led to a move to MLS, where he joined the Philadelphia Union in 2021.

He made an instant impact in Philly—everyone noticed his vision and knack for scoring from midfield. That got the attention of clubs all over the league.

In 2025, Columbus Crew decided to go after him. They saw his unique skill set and the tactical options he brought. The transfer involved a hefty fee, which isn’t something you see every day for a midseason MLS move.

Columbus Crew Contract Details

Columbus Crew brought Gazdag in as a designated player, making him one of the top earners and a cornerstone of the squad. After his move from the Union, the Crew offered a multiyear extension—he’s signed through 2027, with a club option for 2028 per team news.

This contract gives Gazdag and the Crew some real stability. As a designated player, his salary doesn’t count fully toward the salary cap, which helps the Crew build around him. That status says a lot about his production and leadership.

Contract at a Glance

Year	Guaranteed Through	Club Option	Role
2025	2027	2028	Designated Player

Transfer Fees and Player Valuation

Alright, folks, the Crew went out and grabbed Daniel Gazdag from the Philadelphia Union in a cash-for-player move worth $4 million. There’s also another $500,000 on the table if Gazdag hits certain performance marks.

That kind of price tag? It puts Gazdag right up there with the most valuable midfielders ever moved within MLS. He’s got experience, he’s got impact—you can see why the Crew made this play. Columbus Crew and plenty of other outlets reported the details.

The Crew clearly believe in Gazdag’s ability to deliver, and honestly, the incentives show Philly’s confidence too. If he keeps up this level of play and maybe sparks a run for some trophies, you’ve got to think his value’s only going up from here.