In the lead up to Adelaide United’s home clash with Melbourne City on Sunday, Louis D’Arrigo is confident the Reds will be able to turn their chances created into goals.
Adelaide played out a goalless draw with Western United to launch the A-League 2020/21 but there were enough encouraging signs to feel rather optimistic.
Tomi Juric was involved throughout the contest and appeared quite sharp considering he had only a couple of training sessions under his belt after recently completing two weeks of hotel quarantine.
The Socceroos striker’s hold-up play was good while he also looked to get in behind the Western defence with clever runs.
D’Arrigo said the goals will arrive and Juric will be integral to that.
“I’m very confident in training we do a lot of crossing and finishing and he’s a guy that doesn’t miss the target,” D’Arrigo said.
“That’s something you want from your striker so I’m sure in the games the goals will come.”
Utilised as a defensive midfielder last season, the 19-year-old operated in a slightly advanced position in the opening game and revealed Carl Veart and Ross Aloisi have had discussions about playing further forward.
On Monday, Joe Caletti anchored the midfield with D’Arrigo given license to play more of the box-to-box role.
It is something that he is familiar with having been an attacking midfielder when he was younger.
“I’m playing a bit higher up this year,” he said.
“… I think they’re (the coaching staff) having a lot of chats with me in that position, where I could be, what I can do better.
“But when I was younger I played there more frequently, but at the moment I’m taking it game by game.”
D’Arrigo said keeping Jamie Maclaren at bay will be important.
“I think (Jamie) Maclaren is there biggest threat,” he explained.
“But we’re a strong side, we just have to add on from last week, defensively we’re really strong but we just need to score the goal and finish the game off.”
Next match details:
Game date: Sunday, 3 January vs Melbourne City
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 2
Kick-off 5.35pm ACDT
Gates open 4.35pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
