Stevanja heads off for trial at Malaga

FORMER Geeelong goalkeeper Marko Stevanja leaves this week for a trial at Malaga.

Stevanja’s attempts in a move to Germany last offseason were curtailed, with a shoulder injury forcing surgery, and an eventual return to Australia.

While a return to Europe has been in the works since, his agent confirmed a month’s trial with the La Liga club’s reserve side, along with its sister club in Gibraltar, Europa FC.

The 20-year-old keeper, who signed for Werribee mid-season, acknowledged rehabilitation was a testing period.

“The most frustrating part was doubt that came with not playing. Doing my rehab after Germany, it was a good eight months, and there were honestly points where I thought it wouldn’t get better,” Stevanja said.

“I’ve done all my preparation and as much as I could do here by myself, and now it’s a case of just going and getting it done. I’m grateful to Werribee, as well as Micky (Colina) because I was training with North Geelong for a bit before that.”

With Danish international Thomas Sorensen signing for Melbourne City last season, Stevanja left knowing he would not be given much of a chance.

While his aims to play in Europe are aided by the fact he holds a Croatian passport, he felt the only way he would improve was if he left Australia, believing player development plateaus in the lower levels.

“I’m thankful to everything City has done for me, but staying here you can see how difficult it is. Once you’re churned out the system, a lot of players don’t go back up to the A-League. Too many players get washed out,” he said.

“Especially as a keeper, with only 10 starting spots at professional level in Australia, it’s hard and I’m not prepared to wait another three-four years.

“I just think there’s more opportunity if you’re willing to push yourself.”

Although keepers have a longer shelf life, for Stevanja, an intuitive shot-stopper, he believes his attributes can translate well in Spain.

“I think I know when to come out in open play and back up the defence,” he said.

“I’m not the biggest or strongest keeper, but that’s not what they looked at when we were lining up a trial.”