With a dad who dedicated his life to the Australian Air Force, it seems fitting that Patrick Langlois’ career is set to take off with the Newcastle Jets.
In just his second senior appearance with the Jets, it was the highly-rated teenager’s goal which saw the Jets overcome Melbourne Victory in the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 last Wednesday.
With scores locked at 2-2 in extra-time, Langlois superbly turned on a pass from Dimitri Petratos before burying his finish past Victory gloveman Matt Acton.
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It was a goal that even most seasoned striker would have been proud of, let alone a young defender-turned-midfielder still looking to establish himself in top company.
“It was a bit surreal. I’m still on a bit of a buzz and a bit shocked that it all turned out the way it did,” Langlois, 19, told www.theffacup.com.au.
“It was very exciting and good to be able to contribute in a game like that. I scored a goal with the youth team earlier this year but I can’t remember scoring too many goals in my life.
“I’ve been working really hard on my technical ability after training with one of the assistant coaches, so a lot of hard work all came together in that moment.”
TICKETS: Don’t miss out when the Jets face local rivals Edgeworth in the Round of 16
From 2-0 down to 2-3 up! And into the Round of 16 for just the second time ever! What a performance! 👏 #MVCvNEW #FFACup #MadeOfNewcastle pic.twitter.com/S0YeXq0IEo
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) August 7, 2019
Born in San Diego, California, his father’s job with the Air Force saw the Langlois clan come to Australia when Patrick was just six weeks old.
Besides a four-year stint in Canberra, Langlois has spent the majority of his life in the Hunter before breaking into the Emerging Jets system.
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A part of Newcastle’s Youth team since 2017, the Broadmeadow Magic junior got his big break when he made his Hyundai A-League debut in a big 6-1 win over Brisbane Roar late last season.
“After getting a bit of a taste for it, it’s definitely my goal to try and break into the squad and get as many games under my belt as possible,” Langlois said.
“He’s [coach Ernie Merrick] really good with us young players.
“He expects us to be able to play with the senior team and does give us that responsibility. He’s always talking to us and trying to help us break into the first team.”
While he started his career as a defender, Langlois has developed his game under Merrick and now sees himself as a ‘No.6’ or defensive midfielder in this Jets squad.
“With the way that Ernie likes to play, I feel like I suit the system there,” Langlois explains.
“The main strength of my game is just simplicity. I’m not a super flashy player or anything like that but I do a job.
“I feel like I’m strong defensively. I’m able to read the game and just try and control games, hopefully pull the strings in front of the backline.”
Langlois will be hoping to get another chance to impress in the Jets midfield when they take on Northern NPL NSW heavyweights Edgeworth Eagles in the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 16 next Wednesday night.
The match at Jack McLaughlin Oval is looming as a massive night for the Hunter region with a spot in the competition’s last eight on the line.
“To have the local A-League team against the local NPL team in a national competition is great for everyone involved,” Langlois said. “It should be a really good night for the football community in Newcastle.
“The magic of the cup is that underdog teams from the NPL can match it with professional teams but our squad will take the game very seriously and expect to win.
“There’s a lot of belief around the squad this year and after a result like [the win over Victory] there is a bit of expectation. The boys’ tails are up and we’re taking it very seriously.”
TICKETS: Don’t miss out when the Jets face local rivals Edgeworth in the Round of 16
