Western United head coach John Aloisi believes Noah Botic and Hiroshi Ibusuki “haven’t hit the levels yet” despite their red-hot form as they tipped the strike duo to “get better”.
Japanese veteran Ibusuki (four) and young gun Botic (three) have emerged as one of the most lethal striker partnerships in the Isuzu UTE A-League with seven goals between them so far heading into Sunday’s visit of Brisbane Roar at Ironbark Fields.
Botic (seven) and Ibusuki (five) have also combined for 12 goal contributions, with the duo playing a key role in Western’s red-hot form and surge into the top six following back-to-back wins over Sydney FC (4-3) and Auckland FC (4-0).
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“It’s been good form. I still think they’re going to get better. I still think they haven’t hit the levels yet,” Aloisi told reporters.
“Noah Botic – he is doing really well but he will hit even greater heights at the backend of the season because he didn’t have a pre-season wit the team. He was out for six months without playing any football. He will get stronger as the season goes.
“Him and Hiro will get a better understanding as the season goes. I expect more and more from them as the season goes on.
“Then the players around them also make it easier for them because we get the ball to them as quick as possible. Angus Thurgate and Rhys Bozinovski the last few weeks have really looked to play forward as quick as possible. When you do that then they’re able to get on the ball in good areas a lot of the time. Then you have the wingers who are supporting them.”
GAME-BY-GAME PREVIEW:Â What you need to know for Round 10 of the Isuzu UTE A-League
Western head into the Round 10 fixture against winless Brisbane full of confidence after dismantling the previously unbeaten Auckland at Go Media Stadium last week.
For the first time in their history, the 2021-22 champions have scored four or more goals in consecutive away matches as they eye three straight wins for the firs time since February-March 2023.
Western’s form and season has been largely built around their academy graduates, with seven featuring in the 4-0 triumph away to Auckland in Round 9.
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“As a club it’s huge for us,” Aloisi said. “It’s taken time but we knew it would take time to get players and our club to this level because our academy isn’t that old.
“The players have really made another step this season. We saw it towards the end of last season.
“We are starting to see it all come together but it has been a lot of hard work and a lot of work going on for an umber of years now to get the players to a level. They’re really stepping up and making the most of it.
“Hopefully they keep going and growing in confidence the season goes.”
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