Arzani, Fornaroli City shining lights
IN-FORM Melbourne City midfielder Luke Brattan says A-League fans should come and see Daniel Arzani in the club’s “biggest match of the season” against leaders Sydney FC – while they still can.
And better yet, they might also see club captain and fan favourite Bruno Fornaroli make his long-awaited season debut on Saturday night.
The Uruguayan has continued his rehabilitation from an ankle injury suffered last August but played and scored in a practice match against visiting Chinese side Guangzhou R&F on Tuesday night.
Fornaroli told News Corp he was ready to return to regular action after completing 70 minutes.
Given the loss of injury replacement striker Ross McCormack, who returned to England last week, his return to fitness would certainly be timely.
And with the emergence of Arzani as Australian soccer’s next big thing over the summer, the combination is a mouth-watering one for City.
City haven’t lost since the 19-year-old was thrown on as a substitute while trailing to Wellington Phoenix a month ago. His exciting movement and assists have seen City go on a six-match unbeaten run – perfectly timed for the visit of the Sky Blues.
“This is the biggest game of the season,” Brattan said.
“As a professional foot- baller, these are the games you want to play in.
“They are the best team and if you want to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.”
Like everyone at the expansion club, Brattan has been wowed by the Iranian-Australian talent, comparing him to A-League royalty.
“Playing with him is the same as playing with Thomas Broich,” Brattan said, referring to Brisbane Roar’s Johnny Warren Medallist.
“You can just look to pass to him and things happen.”
Brattan said, if he kept his head down, the season could be Arzani’s last in Australia.
“I don’t think he’s going to be around here much longer,” he said. “At his age, he is incredible. Some of the stuff he does at training, the only way I can stop him is to kick him.
“But people have been pumping him up.
“He’s playing well but he’s got a lot to learn. It might be for his best that the media stop talking about him.”
Arzani has been tipped for an unlikely World Cup berth off the back of his performances – something that still motivates Brattan as well.
“That’s still my goal. With a new coach coming in it’s a clean slate,” he said. “If your team does well, you have a chance.”
PLAYING WITH HIM IS THE SAME AS PLAYING WITH THOMAS BROICH. YOU CAN JUST LOOK TO PASS TO HIM AND THINGS HAPPEN
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