Aleksandar Prijovic isn’t daunted by the task of stepping into the role vacated by A-League Men’s scoring legend Besart Berisha as the central figure in Western United’s attack.
The 31-year-old Serbian striker, who has scored in both the Champions League and Europa League, looms as an ideal replacement for the departed Berisha this season as United chase their first silverware under new coach John Aloisi.
“(I’m a) finisher in the box – that’s my zone, that’s where I’m dangerous,” Prijovic said on Thursday, having been released from quarantine in Melbourne a week earlier than expected after the city’s coronavirus restrictions were eased.
“My body also is a plus in building up and holding up the ball, headers.
“For a striker, there is in my case good abilities.”
Prijovic, who most recently played in the Saudi Pro League, has claimed two league titles in Poland with Legia Warsaw plus a Greek Super League title, a golden boot and two Greek Cups with PAOK.
The 191cm forward scored two goals in 13 senior appearances for Serbia and featured at the 2018 World Cup.
“I put enough pressure on myself all my life as a professional football player, (always) wanting to score goals, winning trophies,” Prijovic said.
“I’ve been doing pretty well in that so far and I believe I will do much better.
“I’m somebody that works hard and wants to compete and grow and be better from day to day, so I don’t see any pressure from outside.
“I do that already for myself. I’m highly motivated and I’m in my best years as a striker, so I’m not worried too much about (filling Berisha’s shoes).”
A free agent since mid-August, Prijovic fielded offers from clubs in Europe and Asia but felt United were the “full package” in terms of lifestyle, salary and opportunity.
He met his new teammates on Wednesday and trained at the club’s new base – the Tullamarine headquarters of AFL club Essendon – but will not feature in Friday’s pre-season friendly against Melbourne City.
Instead, Prijovic has set his sights on the ALM season opener against cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory at GMHBA Stadium on November 20.
“I haven’t trained for a couple of months with a team, so I’m going to need some time to get used to this, but it’s not a long period that I need,” Prijovic said.
“Hopefully for the first game I will be ready to help my team.”
United have a second friendly against City on November 5 and are also set to take on Newcastle in an FFA Cup play-off next month on a date yet to be confirmed.
