Graham Arnold says Sydney FC fans haven’t seen anything yet from marquee striker Bobo, and believes it’s his attitude that will ensure he makes a significant impact in the Hyundai A-League.
The Brazilian made a sensational starting debut for the Sky Blues in Wednesday night’s 3-0 Westfield FFA Cup win over Blacktown, which propelled them into the semi-finals for the first time.
As well as setting up the side’s two first half goals, Bobo capped a man-of-the-match display with the sealer 13 minutes from the end.
It was more than Arnold could have asked for from the 31-year-old, charged with spearheading Sydney FC’s attack in Season 2016/17.
“I’m confident he’ll have a really good impact in the A-League,” Arnold told www.a-league.com.au on Thursday.
“It’s not so much down to his quality but it’s his attitude and character.
“I gave him the option whether he wanted to play last night as I was sceptical about the artificial grass and Matty Simon has got injured on it before but he said ‘I played on it six weeks ago in Brazil and I’m here to play football’. His attitude is first class.”
While Bobo joined the Sky Blues from Gremio in his native Brazil, he has spent a large chunk of his career in Turkey where he scored 90 goals in eight seasons at Besiktas and Kayserispor.
And it’s that record that convinced Arnold Bobo would be the perfect addition to the Sydney FC squad as they seek redemption after missing the finals last season.
“Brazilians sometimes don’t settle well out of Brazil. But his track record out of Brazil in Turkey was fantastic,” the Sky Blues boss said.
“We did enough homework on him to know that he’s going to be a strengthening to the squad. The pleasing thing for me is his character and his attitude.
“Of course he has quality. He can play with both feet, is good in the air and he brings people into play. He set up two goals last night so he’s not just an out and out goal-scorer.
“He works hard for the team, works hard in defence and as a number nine, you need the players around you to see the runs that you’re making as well and that will take a bit of time. But gradually we’re getting there.”
Arnold said he doesn’t have a goal tally in mind for Bobo but expects him to score plenty if his team-mates continue to provide the right service.
It’s just over two weeks until Sydney FC begin their Hyundai A-League campaign with a blockbuster derby against the Wanderers, with a crowd in excess of 65,000 expected at ANZ Stadium.
Hyundai A-League season preview: Sydney FC
With no injury concerns and a strong run in the Westfield FFA Cup under their belts, Arnold feels his side is on the track for a strong start to the campaign.
“The pre-season has gone really well and the most pleasing thing is we’ve had good progression right throughout thanks to the [FFA] Cup.
“We’ve had meaningful games live on TV with decent crowds and competitive games leading into the first round is always good practice.
“It adds that little bit of pressure and some substance to the games so its ideal preparations for the Wanderers in Round 1.”
