Daniel De Silva was once considered one of Australia’s brightest prospects but for one reason or another it hasn’t quite clicked for the diminutive playmaker.
But after undergoing a strict strength and conditioning program, De Silva is back in the Hyundai A-League in order to kick-start his career.
DE SILVA GOES FULL CIRCLE
*Burst onto the scene with Perth Glory in 2013, debuting as a 15-year-old.
*Attracted interest from Serie A giants Roma in 2015, though a reported move fell through.
*Eventually signed with Dutch outfit Roda JC where he has spent the past two seasons.
*Earned a call-up to the Socceroos squad in June 2015 for Australia’s clash with Kyrgyzstan.
RETURN TO THE A-LEAGUE
Now 20, De Silva has signed a three-year-deal with Central Coast Mariners and says the chance to play under his former mentor Paul Okon was a big reason for his return.
“I worked with Paul Okon in the national teams and he gave me a lot of opportunities as a young player so I am glad that I am here now,” De Silva told the Mariners website.
“I am looking forward to being able to work with him full time here on the Central Coast.
“Having worked with Paolo before I know what he expects from his players and from his team so I don’t think that’s going to change too much. It’ just now about learning the way that he wants us to play, the formations and the style which is what the pre-season is all about. – so, by the end of the pre-season we will be ready to go.
“Paul Okon plays one of the best styles of football in the A-League,” De Silva said. “By the end of the season if we can execute it – we will be very dangerous and teams will find it very difficult to stop us so that was one of the biggest factors of why I chose to come here.”
ON RETURNING TO EUROPE AND THE SOCCEROOS…
“My number one priority is to play well for the Central Coast Mariners for as long as I’m here,” De Silva said.
Head here for the Mariners website
“If the opportunity arises for me to go back overseas than that would be amazing but for now my priority is this club.
“I know that if players perform well and do good things in the A-League, the Socceroos are always watching. If I have a good season and do well then hopefully I will be able to earn those opportunities with the Socceroos again.”
