Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos says Sydney forward Alex Brosque will be the man to watch when the defending champions travel north to Brisbane in search of their first win of the season.
Theoklitos was instrumental in Brisbane’s 0-0 draw in Round 1 against the Gold Coast, coming up with key saves to keep a clean sheet against the might of a Shane Smeltz-led attack.
But the former Melbourne Victory shot-stopper knows that despite two weeks of preparation, traditional rivals Sydney, are sure to provide fresh challenges for the Roar’s restructured defence.
Speaking with media at a player appearance in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall, Theoklitos’ primary focus was on drumming up a crowd for the Roar’s first home game of the season, but in regards to their opposition, he did have time to name Brosque as the danger man in a strong attacking unit.
“Obviously Alex Brosque is a man to watch,” said Theoklitos.
“But they’ve got a few players who can score goals, so defensively we’re going to have to be aware of that and hopefully keep a clean sheet.”
Brosque, a one-time Roar player, had Sydney’s first goal of the 2010/11 season with a clinical right foot finish in his side’s 3-3 draw with Melbourne Victory in Round 1.
Despite failing to collect a win in their first two outings, signs have pointed to a chemistry developing between Sydney’s attacking brigade, with the likes of Brosque and star midfield recruit Nick Carle finding synchronisation early.
Carle, who this season signed on for Sydney as a marquee man, has the potential to turn sides inside out with his classy touch and is no doubt one of the players motivating Theoklitos’ desire to see Saturday’s contest played in opposition territory.
“We’re going to have to press them up from our strikers to the defence. We’re going to have to keep it tight and play football in their half and not our half,” he said.
“They are a good team, they are the champions, and we’re not going to take them lightly.”
While a controlled defensive effort is understandably the focus for Theoklitos, the Roar will need to be just as strong in attack after failing to finish any of their multiple opportunities against Gold Coast United in their most recent outing.
Skipper Matt McKay last week told Sportal that midfielders scoring goals would be a big key to the Roar’s success in 2010/11, and Theoklitos is tipping promising German import Thomas Broich to notch Brisbane’s first of the season.
“I’ll say Thomas Broich will be the first,” he said.
“He’s a very good player, so hopefully he gets on the score sheet come Saturday.”
