Perth Glory livewire Andrezinho says fans can expect plenty more dash down the left flank from the speedy Brazilian over the course of the season.
Perth Glory livewire Andrezinho says fans can expect plenty more dash down the left flank from the speedy Brazilian over the course of the season.
Although another Glory debutante in Billy Mehmet may have scored the goal that gave Perth their 1-0 win over Adelaide last Sunday afternoon, it was 26-year-old Andrezinho who stole the show.
In a thrilling first-half display, Andrezinho used his pace and skill to take on Adelaide’s defence time and time and time again, sending in a series of quality crosses that should have been converted.
His pace and energy left Adelaide defender Daniel Mullen in his wake and all that chasing may arguably have led to Mullen suffering a hamstring twinge that saw him taken from the field before half-time.
Andrezinho himself had to come off in the 68th minute as he suffered cramps, but the Brazilian believes he will soon get on top of this problem and be a threat for the full 90 minutes when Glory take on Melbourne Heart this weekend.
“This is my football,” the likeable Brazilian declared as he bravely grappled with his English.
“I’m very happy with my start.”
“I think fans like my football, I don’t know, but this is my football.”
Andrezinho felt the length and softness of the grass at nib Stadium may have played a part in his cramps during the second half.
“I was very tired you know,” he said.
“Grass (is) very soft, but I think in the next game I’ll be much better.”
And Andrezinho said having his wife Andreia and 20-month-old daughter Ana Luiza arrive in Perth over the next week, will only make things better for him.
Having recently spent time in Japan, China and Uruguay, Andrezinho said he’s particularly happy in Perth as he gets to be part of a squad where people get to enjoy a laugh and a joke.
And, having seen Andrezinho at close-range for a few months now, his Glory skipper Jacob Burns believes the Brazilian is among the fastest players he’s ever played with.
“He’s up there for sure,” Burns said after the 1-0 win over Adelaide.
“I think more the pace with the ball as well, I think when he’s running at players they don’t really know what to do.”
“But he did really well today, really proud of him.”
