Adelaide United Director of Football, Bruce Djite, and Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek, have praised the arrival of Stefan Mauk.
The attacking midfielder yesterday completed his return to the Club on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Djite was thrilled to have secured the 24-year-old’s services and confirmed he will be the only January addition to the squad this season.
“I think getting Stefan (Mauk) in helps with that depth,” he explained to reporters at Mauk’s official unveiling.
“I think we also have to be careful in the January window to just sign a player who will be good for six months say.
“Because then when you do get your injured players back and you do have a full squad, do you have a player who’s there for the longer term.
“I think we have that with Stefan, but in order to find those sort of players without transfers and all the rest within the Australian domestic market becomes very difficult.”
Mauk was a teammate of Djite’s back in 2016 when Adelaide claimed an unprecedented Premier’s Plate and Championship double.
Djite credited a huge reason to that success down to Mauk’s mid-season signing and lauded his attributes that will benefit the team.
“He added so much balance to our team,” he revealed.
“He was the missing piece if you like during that year, hopefully he’s the missing piece for this season as well.
“But he brings energy, he brings quality, he’s an attacking threat and works extremely hard. He can get up and attack and get back and defend.
“For me it’s about bringing in better quality every time you make a signing and honestly I think our midfield now is the best in the league.”
Djite also ruled out the possibility of any further departures during the current transfer window.
Meanwhile, Verbeek said his signature strengthens the centre of the field.
“I think with Vince (Lia) leaving and getting a younger player back with a lot of potential, we’re getting stronger,” he said.
“That’s important because you get suspended players and injured players during a season.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in Round 17 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 1 February at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 6.00pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
