Melbourne City boss Warren Joyce has heaped praise on teenager Daniel Arzani after he came off the bench to inspire his side to a win over Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night.
With his side trailing 1-0 at AAMI Park and struggling to break down and well-drilled Wellington defence, Arzani’s confidence and class stole the show.
The 19-year-old set up both of Ross McCormack’s goals in a scintillating cameo off the bench.
Arzani’s pinpoint crosses made it easy for McCormack to finish and saw City pick up a massive three points which lifts them to third spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder.
“I’ve seen his [Arzani’s] talent since I arrived at the football club. We’ve got to nurture that talent, he’s got to buy into the things that we ask him to do,” Joyce said.
“But he’s got x-factor qualities. Obviously I’ve been around a lot of x-factor footballers in my coaching career, and he’s got that, but there’s a lot of things he’s got to work on in his game and he’s got to be willing to listen to the people at the football club if he trusts us to develop him.
“He’s a good kid, he’s an intelligent kid.”
Arzani wasn’t the only individual under the spotlight for City, with new recruit Dario Vidosic making his club debut – ironically against the club he left just last month.
Asked about Vidosic’s impact in his first outing for the club, Joyce said: “He’s come into the club a breath of fresh air, he looks like an intelligent man.
“He’s got a good touch, a good brain. He wants to do well for the football club, and he’s conducted himself very well.
“From day one he has made a really bright impression. Dario has come in with a grit between his teeth this week and made a good impression to everybody at the club.”
City are on the road for Round 15, travelling to Perth to play a desperate Glory at nib Stadium on Tuesday night.
