Melbourne Victory midfielder Jacob Butterfield is confident the squad can become consistent over 90 minutes and clinical in attack, starting with Saturday’s A-League clash against Brisbane Roar.
Following last weekend’s goalless draw against Western United, Butterfield believes there is enough firepower within Victory’s ranks to be efficient in front of goal.
“I think for us the message is, when we’re on top and creating chances we need to start scoring.”
Brebs has the latest on @cm_macca, Robbie & @RudyGestede ahead of our trip north #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/wupBFl93yt
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) February 4, 2021
Intensity
“We will always go to start at 100% intensity and get on top of the game. Hopefully we can follow that up by getting the first goal and then see where that takes us,” Butterfield said.
In the absence of Rudy Gestede and fellow Englishman Callum McManaman returning from injury, Butterfield backs himself to test the opposing goalkeeper.
“I’ll keep shooting when I have the opportunity to do so. I like to shoot from distance and I back myself from that sort of range.
“Hopefully one will go in for me soon and get the goals started for the season,” he said.
🚨 Fixture updates! 🚨
Here's how February looks for us… #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) February 3, 2021
Identity
Despite a string of attacking injuries, Butterfield believes the new-look squad is beginning to create an identity for itself.
“We’re in a good place. I think we can take confidence from the way we’ve improved throughout the games,” he said.
“The lads that have come in have done really well and given us something up front. But the more bodies we can have fit and get these relationships building, will be better for us.
“With Rudy in particular he is a unique player, so for us we need him on the pitch,” said Butterfield.
#OnThisDay in 2007, 'Robbo' scored one of the most important goals in #MVFC history. Ernie Merrick and @gazzagazzagc relive that epic moment… #Since05 pic.twitter.com/fky9XYHfnJ
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) February 3, 2021
Character
Following a physical encounter against Western at AAMI Park, the midfielder is calling on his teammates to build on the previous performance.
“I got a few knocks after that game and I have had to look after myself a bit this week to recover.
“I think we showed especially in the first half, that against a good team that qualified for the play-offs last year, when we’re on our game we’re as good as anybody.
“We will take a lot of positives from that,” said Butterfield.
