Gun Gold Coast import Peter Jungschlager has pleaded with coach Miron Bleiberg for more time in midfield.
Gun Gold Coast import Peter Jungschlager has pleaded with coach Miron Bleiberg for more time in midfield.
In recent weeks, the 27-year-old has been deployed as a makeshift fullback, but after he excelled in a central position in United’s 1-0 Boxing Day win over Brisbane, he doesn’t think he should stay there.
Statistics show he may have a case.
He’s scored two goals thus far this season, and he leads the club’s goal assist tally with three – and they all came early when the classy Dutchman was part of a three-man midfield with countryman Paul Beekmans and exiled Brazlian Robson.
With De Graafschap last season – when he played in the middle of the park – Jungschlager was voted as the most underrated player in the Eredivisie by leading magazine Voetbal International.
He also attracted serious interest from English second division side Coventry City before moving Down Under.
With Gold Coast’s New Year’s Eve clash with Central Coast looming, Jungschlager said he wanted to slip back into his comfort zone against the Mariners.
“Right fullback is not my natural position – I’ve always played in midfield so hopefully (Bleiberg) puts me there,” he said.
“In the first games I played there I had three assists and two goals. It was good, but then I went to right fullback and there were no assists anymore.
“I think they’re coming back soon,” he smiled. “I do my best at right fullback but my best position is midfield. Hopefully I’ll play there against Central Coast.”
No matter where he plays, Jungschlager has proven to be one of United’s most consistent performers and has really grown into his role at the club.
“I feel good now. In three games, we have seven points. We have time for smiling,” he said.
“I think we’re playing very well. Hopefully we can against Central Coast. They’re a very good team but we’re doing good also now.”
But if United are to bring in the New Year with three points, Jungschlager said they would have to shut down veteran Mariners stopper Patrick Zwaanswijk.
Considered one of the best defenders in the competition, the 36-year-old Dutchman also starts many of Central Coast’s attacks with long, diagonal balls to their overlapping fullbacks.
It is an effective approach with Graham Arnold’s preferred 4-4-2 diamond formation, and one that the boys from the Glitter Strip must nullify.
“When they have the ball, we have to pressure Patrick Zwaanswijk. He’s a good player and can pass very well, and can score. He’s proven himself,” Jungschlager said, having already played against him back in Holland.
“We have to limit the amount of time he has in possession so he can’t play that dangerous long ball.
“Hopefully we can do that in the game, because if not we’ll have a problem.”