Melbourne Victory will put its latest Costa Rican experiment on show in Sunday’s game against the Newcastle Jets with Marvin Angulo cleared in time to play in the match at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Angulo arrived at the club in October, but an issue with his transfer from CS Herediano has meant he has been unable to play for the defending Hyundai A-League champions until the move became official in the January transfer window.
Coach Ernie Merrick is delighted to have the lithe attacking midfielder at his disposal this week and Angulo is set to become the third Costa Rican to represent the club after Carlos Hernandez and Jose Luis Lopez.
“I saw Marvin two years ago when I was over in Costa Rica. It’s taken us two years to get him. He’s an attacking midfielder. He’s a young player, he’s very skilful. Technically he’s very good and he gets into goalscoring positions which is what I like,” Merrick said.
“We’ve had him now for two months. So he’s got used to the way we play and I think he’ll be a huge asset to our squad, not just for the finals but for the ACL.”
The player himself is delighted to have the opportunity to play again having not partaken in a competitive game since September 12.
“I’ve settled in very well and I’m feeling very comfortable and I’m happy to be here. I’m really looking forward to getting my chance on Sunday,” he said through an interpreter.
“It has been a little frustrating having to wait. But it could be a plus, giving me time to get used to the new players, new coach and new lifestyle and I’m hoping that will let me hit the ground running.”
The 23-year-old may play a similar role to his compatriot Hernandez, but that’s where the comparisons end. While Hernandez’s bulk has helped him adapt to the Hyundai A-League, Angulo is slightly built and knows he will have a challenge adapting to the physical nature of the competition.
“I have been working very well on the physical side of things. I believe that I’ve got stronger since I have been here and it’s now a matter of me showing my skills, but also being able to cope with the physical pressure that will no doubt be put on me,” he said.
Angulo made a name for himself in his homeland with his spectacular goals, both from open play and the dead ball. While he may have to fight Hernandez for the free kicks, he has been given free rein to shoot if given the chance on Sunday.
“I hope to get a chance. I’d love to be able to score a spectacular goal for Melbourne. I think that would give me a real boost in confidence early in my stay here.”
Merrick would not be drawn on selection for Sunday’s match, with Angulo included in the squad along with Hernandez, who has recovered from an ankle injury which kept him out of the match against North Queensland. Leigh Broxham returns from suspension, while Mate Dugandzic has also been included with Sutee Suksomkit ending his guest stint with the club.
“I won’t reveal the starting XI, but given the way (Angulo’s) been training with us for two months, he’s ready to come in. I’ll leave that final decision to the last minute and I won’t reveal too much to the opposition,” he said.
Melbourne will send a physiotherapist up to Newcastle two days early to meet returning Qantas Socceroos pair Matthew Kemp and Archie Thompson in order to assess their fitness after flying directly back from Kuwait.
