Excitement machine Marco Rojas says he is not surprised by the rapid rise of Melbourne Victory team-mate Andrew Nabbout.
Excitement machine Marco Rojas says he is not surprised by the rapid rise of Melbourne Victory team-mate Andrew Nabbout.
Nabbout has burst onto the Hyundai A-League scene and become a cult hero among the Victory faithful since his surprise debut against back-to-back champions Brisbane Roar in Round 2.
After impressing coach Ange Postecoglou during a National Youth League match against Victorian state league club Altona Magic, when he netted a brace, the 19-year-old went on to make his senior debut for Victory two weeks later on their trip to the Brisbane.
Since that day, Nabbout has made three appearances, mostly off the bench, but it is his match-winning performance against Sydney FC that has everyone involved with the club excited.
Following on from those two goals against Victory’s fierce rivals, Nabbout continued that good form during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the Central Coast at Etihad Stadium, capping his first start in absence of an ill Archie Thompson with another goal.
Nabbout now has three goals from his last two games and Rojas is not taken aback by the youngster’s transition from the Victorian Premier League to the A-League.
“He trains really well every day,” Rojas said on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s not a surprise that he’s done well in the last two games.
“He works hard, he’s got good skills, he’s quick and he’s got a lethal shot as you can see so I’m not surprised at all.”
Postecoglou demonstrated his willingness to give emerging talent a chance again on Saturday, handing National Youth League product Christopher Cristaldo his first taste of senior football.
The 17-year-old Victorian midfielder, who was named on the bench following Nabbout’s elevation into the starting line up, played the final 20 minutes.
And with plenty of promising young players within the Victory ranks, Rojas is not only impressed with their quality but he is determined to see them stake their claims for regular game time.
“It’s good to see the young boys come in and take the chance and do well,” the New Zealand international said.
“It’s great for them to get the opportunity and hopefully whenever they get the chance, they keep performing and putting their hand up for selection.”
