Louis D’Arrigo has relished playing in a more advanced midfield role during his second full season with Adelaide United.
D’Arrigo alongside Jordan Elsey are the only two players to have started all 14 games for Adelaide so far this season.
“I’m very happy to have started every game so far this season and I hope I can start every other game for the rest of the season,” said D’Arrigo.
“I feel like my game is getting better each game. Now I’m setting a bar for myself to get better each game.”
Last season, the 19-year-old was deployed as a holding midfielder, providing protection and defensive cover for the back four.
However, this year under Head Coach Carl Veart, the 19-year-old has been utilised slightly higher in the midfield three.
Joe Caletti and more recently new signing Juande have occupied the defensive midfield position, giving license for D’Arrigo to get further forward.
He explained how he has enjoyed the different responsibility and making the necessary tactical adjustments to succeed.
“This season I’ve been playing a bit higher,” he said.
“I think Carl (Veart) and Ross (Aloisi) think I’m more suited best in that box-to-box midfield, playing a bit higher.
“I’m enjoying it, when I was at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) I was playing the same role.
“I’m adjusting game by game and just adjusting to be bit better in the final third.
“If I can get a few more assists and goals to my game that will be good.”
D’Arrigo added Veart’s guidance has also helped play a key part in his development.
“I’ve known Carl since I was a boy,” he said.
“He gives me a lot of freedom and a lot of confidence when I’m on the pitch so I’m loving it so far.”
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Despite the Reds suffering a first defeat in seven matches last week, D’Arrigo believed the team has been improving each week.
Adelaide host Western Sydney Wanderers at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
It will also be the first time James Troisi faces his former side in the City of Churches after his shock departure from the club two weeks before the start of the A-League campaign.
“They’ve got a really good team,” he said.
“They’re on the table next to us so it’s going to be a good head-to-head battle.
“They’ve got a really good attacking line and I can’t wait to see (James) Troisi back and hopefully he starts so I can be on him if I’m starting too.”
Next match details:
Saturday, 10 April vs Western Sydney Wanderers
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 16
Kick-off 6.40pm ACST
Gates open 5.40pm ACST
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
