Melbourne City added plenty of international experience during the mid-season transfer window but it’s the loan signing of winger Marcus Younis that’s seemingly been the catalyst for their upturn in form.
Whilst plenty was made of the loan signings of former Melbourne Victory stars Ryan Teague and Daniel Arzani who Joined from KV Mechelen and Ferencvaros respectively, the loan deal for Younis was arguably one that went under the radar.
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However the 20-year-old has exploded since returning to the Isuzu UTE A-League, scoring four goals and registering three assists in just nine league appearances as well as a goal and two assists in City’s run to the AFC Champions League Elite last 16.
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Now, fresh off City’s 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix where Younis scored and played the full 90 minutes, the A-Leagues Download team of Jake Barker-Daish, Rashid Mahazi and Naum Sekulovski were effusive in their praise of the player on this week’s show.
“Younis was one that you probably had a bit lower down the pecking order. It’s his first proper senior gig… but he’s been unbelievable, hasn’t he?” said host, Barker-Daish.
“He’s electric. His delivery on the ball, he’s been assisting, but he’s been scoring as well.
“It’s adding such an edge to that front three. So super, super exciting.
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Former Melbourne Victory midfielder Mahzai added: “He’s so unpredictable, right? He’s kind of one of those exciting players that for a young kid, it’s really enjoyable to watch.
“You kind of look up to him and go, I want to play like him, because I’ll make things happen and and just sort of express myself.
He added: “I love watching him play.”
Melbourne City have been juggling both their Isuzu UTE A-League title defence and AFC Champions League Elite commitments this season and at one point looked as though they would fall short of qualifying for this year’s Finals Series.
However, a run of five games unbeaten in the league including their current three-game winning streak has seen them surge into the finals positions, with City now occupying the all-important sixth spot in the Isuzu UTE A-League heading into the final two rounds of the campaign.
Up next for Younis and Co is an away trip to Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, where a win will guarantee them a spot in the Finals Series with a game to spare.
