Arzani develops grunt

City teenager up to speed for his A-League finals debut

MELBOURNE City teen sensation Daniel Arzani labelled his physical evolution the biggest change from his debut three months ago to now.

Since Arzani came on to turn the January 6 clash against Wellington on its head, making his first start three days later, he has established himself as City’s most consistent attacking threat.

The basic stats — two goals and multiple assists in 16 games — do not depict his true impact, with his street-smarts and one-on-one ability off the charts for an “Australian” 19year-old.

But having played 90 minutes in three of his past five games after running out of gas in his first eight, Arzani was thrilled with his physical progress.

A year after suffering stagefright in its home finals loss to Perth Glory, a confident Arzani declared he would not be fazed by the occasion when City hosted Brisbane Roar.

“Yeah, so far, definitely (his biggest game). It’s my first ALeague finals game,’’ he said.

“To be honest, nothing (different). I still love playing the game.

“Going into the game I don’t feel too much pressure, I just want to play, enjoy myself and express myself on the field.

“I’ll be a little bit more excited going into the game, but apart from that everything else should be the same.

“Very very excited going into it, maybe a bit of nerves, hopefully when I step on to the field I’m just playing another game.

“It’s been more of a thing about getting game time.

“When I got it (minutes) I was doing well, I just wasn’t bale to last 90 (minutes). Playing (regularly) gave me the ability to do that.

“My evolution has been more physical than anything. Games are played at higher intensity, I was just getting used to that first couple of weeks.”

The winger has often been double-teamed by nervy ALeague defences, but Arzani said it only brought his teammates into it.

He concedes Bruno Fornaroli’s introduction has changed his style compared with exteammate Ross McCormack, who Arzani set up two goals for on debut.

“It’s something teams have been doing but when I’m getting double-teamed it’s not a massive deal. It also creates more space for my teammates like Dario (Vidosic) and Bruno, who are as dangerous,’’ he said.

“Playing with Bruno now you have someone who gets a bit more involved in the build up play. You can play him and use him because he’s very good at holding up the ball.”