His side’s out in front on top of the table and Mustafa Amini’s been a big part of the winning run.
Since its inception nearly seven years ago the Hyundai A-League has never been short of young talent, players with endless ability and stars in their eyes.
Some keep up the pace and go all the way, others fall by the wayside as quickly as they arrived.
But Mariners young gun Mustafa Amini is one player almost certain to have a long and successful career at the top and make the most of his huge level of talent.
The attacking midfielder is regarded by almost everyone who has watched him as one of the most gifted footballers in the country.
He burst on to the scene when given a shot at Hyundai A-League level by Mariners coach Graham Arnold last season.
And, Amini did not disappoint, starring as the Mariners went all the way to a heartbreaking Grand Final.
But when the teenager returned from the under-20 World Cup earlier this year Amini was not in great shape.
After two years without a break his body needed a rest and he was struggling to complete a pre-season training session with the Mariners.
Endless hours were spent with the club’s fitness guru, former Mariner Andrew Clark, to rebuild his body and make sure he could handle the rigours of professional football for the long haul.
That achieved Amini is now back and in career best form for the high flying Mariners.
The Mariners are on a great run of form and Amini-s contribution from the pointy end of Arnold-s midfield diamond has been a major factor in the club-s revival after a slow start to the season.
Every time he touches the ball, he looks dangerous and has showed he has a great eye for goal, as was proven when he smashed home the opener in last week-s 2-1 win over the Brisbane Roar.
His combination play up front with fellow youngster Bernie Ibini has been great to watch.
“It’s been good, I-m having fun,” Amini said.
“After not having a break in two years the body needed a rest after the World Cup. I did a lot of one-on-one work with Clarkey (Andrew Clark); I feel stronger than I ever have.”
Last season his skill was there for everyone to see but this time around Amini is stronger and able to hold off defenders, giving his game another dimension, which Arnold is keen to praise.
“The kid is coming along in leaps and bounds,” Arnold said.
“There-s a couple of small things we can work on like the weight of pass in the final third; that-ll all come with more game time.”
Amini-s talent has not gone unnoticed by big international clubs.
He has already been signed by German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, before being loaned back to Central Coast for this season to continue his development.
Amini will now link with the Bundesliga club after the group stages of the Asian Champions League next year.
Amini agreed to terms with Dortmund earlier this year before the club agreed to loan Amini back to the Mariners for one season to continue his development.
“That-s all exciting but my focus is with the Mariners now,– he said.
“I want to leave the club on a good note.”
