‘They just took over the game’: Susaeta, Beñat showing Genreau the way in Bulls midfield

Macarthur FC midfielder Denis Genreau says the experience he’s gaining alongside the likes of Markel Susaeta and Beñat Etxebarria has been fantastic for his development in a Bulls outfit building a consistent stretch of form.

Genreau took his place in midfield for Macarthur in a comfortable 2-0 win over Perth Glory at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night.

The 21-year-old contributed to an accomplished team showing, but Macarthur’s pair of Spanish midfielders stood out as the star performers in their side’s third win on the bounce.

MATCH REPORT: Macarthur FC 2-0 Perth Glory

Speaking to FOX Sports post-match, Genreau said he’s learning a lot playing in a central position for Macarthur surrounded by a cast of experienced veterans, taking the best seat in the house to watch Susaeta and Beñat break games apart.

“It’s been fantastic for me,” Genreau said.

You saw those two boys tonight, Susaeta and Beñat, they just took over the game.

“I was just sitting in the middle of the park just cleaning up if they made any mistakes, but they didn’t make too many of them.

“For me, I’m learning so much everyday from them. A lot of the other boys as well, they’re very experienced and top professionals, so to be alongside them is fantastic.”

MW15 REPORT: Mariners produce stunning fightback to overrun Adelaide and extend lead at the top
REACTION: Kuol eyeing silverware as Mariners’ incredible rise continues

Beñat put in a typically dominant shift in the middle of the park against Perth. He took 103 touches to play 86 passes at over 88% accuracy, making 10 ball recoveries throughout his 90-minute shift which included a perfectly-weighted lofted through ball hit toward Ivan Franjic in the box to set Matt Derbyshire up for the opening goal.

Susaeta was similarly damaging. He won his side a first-half penalty which led to Derbyshire’s second goal, created four chances, dispatched three shots and took 83 touches.

The dynamic duo caught the attention of FOX Sports analyst Mark Bosnich, who was full of praise for Macarthur’s Spaniards after the game.

“Susaeta taking up his main position – we saw on the heat maps at the end of the game – his main position on the outside right, but he comes all the way across,” Bosnich said.

“There were times we were looking, (and) all of a sudden he’s over on the left side, all of a sudden he’s at number 10, always looking for where the space is.

As for Beñat, what more is there to say about this man? Other than the fact that he really is their conductor, there’s no doubt about that.

“I think it will come for a time when teams are analysing them and so forth, and you could really do a good job for your own team by making sure you break up the way he attacks and controls the tempo for Macarthur.”

MW15 REPORT: Super sub Diamanti lifts Western United to historic comeback win over Melbourne City
PREVIEW: Saturday Night Football – Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers

The Bulls moved into second on the A-League table with the impressive win over Perth, capitalising on losses to Adelaide United and Melbourne City to jump to within three points of Central Coast Mariners.

Macarthur’s third consecutive win produced Derbyshire’s ninth and tenth goals of the campaign, taking the Englishman to within two of Jamie Maclaren leading the Golden Boot race.

Derbyshire says that he, like his side, just needed time to click in what is the club’s inaugural A-League campaign. And now the Bulls are showing greater consistency, there’s plenty of room for improvement from here.

“It’s very important to get an understanding in a squad – especially a new squad like we have,” Derbyshire told FOX Sports.

“We’ve got 25 brand new players. Once you put a settled squad out like the coach has, he’s done really well doing that, and it pays off.

“(Ante Milicic) wants to play football, and we’re doing that.

“Once we get into the final third he wants balls in the box, some games it’s difficult and some games it’s like tonight (when) we put many balls into the box, and it paid off.

“Keep doing that throughout the season, I’m sure we’ll come good.”

WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE PREVIEW: Semi Final – Sydney FC v Canberra United
WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE PREVIEW: Semi Final – Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory