Carlo Armiento’s game has gone from strength to strength over the last year.
Since joining Adelaide United Youth from Adelaide City, the Young Reds prospect has impressed with a catalogue of consistent performances.
The 19-year-old arrived at United ahead of the Foxtel Y-League 2017/18 season and carried his strong outings into the local National Premier League (NPL), where he leads the team in scoring with 10 goals.
That form warranted a call-up from Head Coach, Marco Kurz, to train with the senior team during pre-season as well as appearing in the Club’s recent friendlies.
Armiento has so far taken full advantage, scoring in successive trial matches off the bench against West Torrens Birkalla and Adelaide Olympic.
“It’s an excellent opportunity that I’ve got training with the first-team,” Armiento explained.
“And playing a few minutes in all three of the trial games.
“I think that’s every kid’s dream to try and get an A-League contract, so just keep working hard and one step at a time.”
Armiento attributes his success to United Youth Team boss, Paul Pezos, for getting the best out of him.
“Paul (Pezos) has been pushing me hard throughout the whole season,” he said.
“Getting confidence throughout the Youth Team and NYL this season and taking it over the first-team.
“It’s just been good playing with the first-team as well, I think the intensity and the ball speed is a lot higher.”
The forward’s ultimate target is to secure a scholarship contract ahead of the upcoming Hyundai A-League season, and is cognisant that only through hard work can that ambition become a reality.
“I think you can’t control who gets the contracts,” he admitted.
“I think it’s just one step at a time, hard work and just keep doing and see what happens in the future.”
However, Armiento’s versatility could be key in earning a deal with the attacker adept at playing multiple positions – on both flanks, as an out-and-out striker or even an attacking midfielder.
The free-kick specialist, who as mentioned has been influential in United Youth’s NPL finals aspirations this year, also gave his assessment of the campaign to date.
A win from their remaining two matches will guarantee not only a maiden finals berth but wrap up fifth spot on the ladder.
“I think our team we can beat anyone on our day,” he said.
“I think it’s just if we turn up with the right attitude because we’ve beaten a lot of the top teams but we just struggle against a lot of the bottom teams.”
Adelaide United host Central Coast Mariners in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2018 on Wednesday, 1 August at Marden Sports Complex. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM ACST.
