Striker Bruce Djite is eager to form a partnership with A-League golden-boot winner Sergio van Dijk during his second spell at Adelaide United.
Striker Bruce Djite is eager to form a partnership with A-League golden-boot winner Sergio van Dijk during his second spell at Adelaide United.
Djite, 24, began his professional career with Adelaide in 2006, joining Turkish side Genclerbirligi in 2008, before returning to the A-League with Gold Coast United last season.
He agreed a switch back to Adelaide in March and has spent the last four months on loan with Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Sainty.
From the starting line-up of Djite’s last Adelaide appearance in 2008, only four players remain – Fabian Barbiero, Mark Birighitti, Cassio and Eugene Galekovic.
While there a plenty of new faces for Djite to acquaint himself with, one in particular stands out – Dutch centre-forward van Dijk.
After joining from Brisbane Roar in February 2010, van Dijk netted 17 goals last season to finish as the A-League’s top-scorer.
And forming an understanding with the Groningen youth product is clearly a prospect that excites Djite.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Serge,” he said.
“I think even last year at Gold Coast United when Shane Smeltz came back, it really helped me and I think playing with Serge, I think he can really help me as well and I think all in all we can help the team.”
“Also, you bring players like Dario Vidosic, (Zenon) Caravella, Spase (Dilevski) back, the signings that have been made, we should there or thereabouts come the business end of the season.”
American-born Djite, who has nine international caps for adopted country Australia, believes he has developed as a player after his time spent overseas and is looking forward to working under Adelaide coach Rini Coolen.
“I think my game has definitely improved since I was here last,” Djite said.
“In Turkey I played in some different positions, I was just over in China and I played a different role again there, so I think I’ve added a few things to my game and I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement.”
“I certainly don’t think I’ve fulfilled my potential and think I have still got a lot to give, and that’s why I came to play under Rini.”
“He’s got a fantastic reputation of building up players and making them into the players they end up being.”
Adelaide finished third in the A-League last season, losing in the finals to Gold Coast United.
