Adelaide United have re-signed Fabian Barbiero with the home grown midfielder penning a new two-year deal with the Reds.
Barbiero’s commitment continues the local theme in Adelaide after Reds coach Rini Coolen lured North Queensland Fury star Osama Malik back to United after a couple of seasons in Townsville.
The Dutchman admitted he was pleased with the versatility Barbiero has added to his game this season after plugging the hole at right back in the absence of Daniel Mullen through injury.
”Fabian is normally a midfield player but he can also play as a full back, so he can play in several positions,” Coolen said.
”He’s also from Adelaide – that’s not the most important thing, but it’s definitely a benefit to have players from here. He’s a good person, he’s a real professional, and he has played once in the national team as well.”
The 26 year-old was plucked from Adelaide Super League Club MetroStars before his debut for United in 2007.
This season has presented more than a few obstacles for Barbiero, who missed the opening nine matches with an ankle injury.
Upon his return, the midfielder was used at right back to cover the loss of Mullen and after returning to full fitness, Coolen is looking forward to Barbiero finishing the season strongly.
”He’s fit now and I’ve kept him in my squad to develop him and get him to the highest level possible,” Coolen said.
”He can fight for a position as a midfielder or a full back so I’m real happy to be able to work with him and find out if we can bring him to an even higher level.”
Barbiero admitted he was relieved to have signed for a further two seasons and hopes to get back to his best.
”It’s always tricky with contract negotiations during the season but I’m glad to put them to bed and now really focus on doing well for the rest of the season and hopefully in the finals,” Barbiero said.
”I definitely want to be a part of Adelaide United and the club moving forward. Obviously with the new owners coming in and the new coach, to be part of a club that wants to be successful going forward, I-m very happy to have signed for another two years.”
”I’ve had a bad run in the past couple of seasons, but I know myself that when I’m fully fit I can be an asset to the team and obviously Rini has showed that he wants me to be a part of this squad so that-s a big honour.”
In a further coup for the club, Adelaide United has won the race to secure talented young goalkeeper Paul Izzo. Another Adelaide born product, the talented 15-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Reds which will start on January 1, 2012.
Based in Canberra with the AIS, Izzo is currently the first choice keeper for the Qantas Joeys (Australian under-17s) and is widely regarded as the best young goalkeeping prospect in the country.
