Kristijan Trapanovski praises ‘perfect’ teammate and recalls Derby heroics he wants to relive against Dundee.

Trapanovski and David Babunski are already developing a good rapport.

Kristijan Trapanovski referred to compatriot David Babunski as the “perfect” player as the Macedonian duo prepare to light up the Dundee Derby.

Trapanovski, 24, has made an excellent start at Dundee United, thrilling fans with his direct running and determination to cut in from the left flank and drive at goal. He has three goals and two assists.

His adaptation has been aided by the arrival of fellow countryman Babunski, who already appears to be an inspired capture by the Tangerines.

The former Barcelona youngster has scored in every match he has started for United, including a stunning goal against English Championship side Luton Town last Friday night, while wearing the captain’s armband.

“I think he (Babunski) is the perfect player,” Trapanovski stated. “He was at Barcelona for 10 years and it is hard to describe how important that is; he played with some amazing players, and he is a great guy.

“I feel like we are already quite close, so I hope we can combine for some good moments on the pitch.

“I already knew a lot about David. His brother (Dorian) was at Real Madrid, too, so it is a well-known family. The whole country would talk about them! There was a lot of pressure on them, but David is such a brilliant guy.”

Trapanovski: I hope the national coach is watching us closely.

Babunski has 15 caps for North Macedonia, and Trapanovski is a highly regarded former U/21 cap, so national coach Blagoja Milevski will be keeping a close eye on Tannadice this season.

Indeed, with Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski and Motherwell midfielder Davor Zdravkovski both playing in the SPFL, a sizable Macedonian contingent could soon report for international duty.

Trapanovski added: “It’s my first time playing in the same team as David and I hope we can play together in the national team, too. I hope the national team coach is watching us closely!”

Trapadona 🇲🇰 @trapanovski https://t.co/CTHgeJB7qj

— Tony Watt (@32watto) June 29, 2024

On his own flying start, the man dubbed “Trapadona” by Tony Watt added: “I am very happy to score three goals already.

“It is very good for my confidence, and it has made my life easier because every attacker wants to score goals for a new team as quickly as possible.

“I feel like I am settling well, and I want to continue this form in the Premiership.”

Trapanovski eyes derby day déjà vu

The former Slavia Prague and FK Shkupi player has a golden opportunity to become an instant United hero when the Tangerines host fierce rivals Dundee on Sunday.

It is the first meeting between the sides in over two years, and United has not lost at home against the Dee in 20 years.

Despite the Dark Blues’ fans’ high levels of confidence, the Arabs sold out their entire allocation in 90 minutes. It promises to be a tense, exciting start to the league season.

Trapanovski hopes to repeat his man of the match performance in the most recent meeting between FK Shkupi and Vardar, Skopje’s biggest derby, when he scored one and set up the other two goals in a 3-0 victory.

“I saw that our supporters sold all the tickets in such a short time – that is incredible; that means something special,” he continued. “I can’t wait for the game to start and feel that atmosphere at our home.

“I had some big derbies with many fans and a lot of passion. I played in the game between Shkupi and Vardar with a full stadium and we won 3-0 – I got one assist and one goal. I hope it is the same when we play Dundee!”

Babunski reflects on training with Messi and Xavi ahead of the Dundee Derby.

In other news, Babunski reflects on training with Messi and Xavi ahead of the Dundee Derby.