New signing Tarek Elrich did not take long to declare his intent to etch his name onto the right back position of Adelaide United’s defence for the Reds’ Hyundai A-League season opener against Perth Glory.
New signing Tarek Elrich did not take long to declare his intent to etch his name onto the right back position of Adelaide United-s defence for the Reds- Hyundai A-League season opener against Perth Glory.
On his first day in Adelaide after committing to the Reds- on a two year deal, the former Newcastle Jet and Western Sydney Wanderer with a wealth of Hyundai A-League experience believes he can sure up and lock down a position that has had no shortage of players moved through it in previous seasons.
Elrich identified former defender Richie Alagich as the best and most consistent player the Reds have had at right back in the club-s history. Indeed, Alagich was a constant in the position from the club-s inaugural year up to his retirement in 2008, and Elrich wants to prove himself as just as much of a reliable, steady influence.
In terms of experience, Elrich has runs on the board. The 26 year old with 145 Hyundai A-League appearances to his name, was part of the Newcastle team that lost 1-0 to Adelaide United in the first ever game of the Hyundai A-League, while he was a key figure in the Jets- run to the 2007/08 championship, which included scoring in the extra time Preliminary Final thriller over Brisbane Roar.
Then after six seasons in Newcastle, he left to become one of the faces for the new kids on the block, the Western Sydney Wanderers, playing 11 games in their remarkable first season.
Now at his third A-League club, Elrich is energized by the chance the Reds have given him and is buoyed by the murmurs that he has heard of the style of football new coach Josep Gombau wants to implement.
“The way Josep was talking about the way we-re going to play, it-s going to be an attacking style and I think that suits my style,” Elrich said.
“When I started playing in the A-League I started as a right midfielder and slowly got pushed to right back, so hopefully I can bring that attacking football from the defence.”
“As soon as I heard that the left and right backs play a more advanced role, my eyes lit up, I-m grateful for the opportunity and hopefully I can grab it with two hands.”
Whether or not Elrich will get the nod to start in United-s first game of the season in Perth is unknown, and while he certainly is not Gombau-s only option at right back, one thing that is clear is that Elrich will be doing his utmost to impress and make sure he is.
