After collecting a handful of appearances last season, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has set himself a number of lofty goals he hopes to accomplish this season with Adelaide United.
The 19-year-old scored one goal in seven Hyundai A-League matches in 2017/18 and his looking to take his game to greater heights.
Stamatelopoulos seems to be heading on the right track after netting a goal in each of the last two pre-season friendlies.
However, the striker believed he still has plenty of things to work on in preparation for the FFA Cup 2018 campaign and the Hyundai A-League.
“I’ve been happy but not happy in some areas,” he revealed.
“But it’s still pre-season and everyone is still getting fit and trying to gel with the team.
“So I feel like I’ve done alright but I’ve got a lot of improvement to go.”
Stamatelopoulos went on to elaborate where he would like to improve.
“More goals,” Stamatelopoulos affirmed. “Finishing more chances and getting my fitness up a little bit more.”
The striker, who revealed he idolises former Inter Milan, Chelsea and Argentinian talisman Hernán Crespo, stated if he can develop those aforementioned facets then he has a greater chance of attaining his season objectives.
“My personal goals this year is to try and get more than seven goals this season,” he said.
“So hopefully I can make that happen and try and get to the finals with the team again and win the whole thing (Hyundai A-League Championship).”
But Stamatelopoulos said while finding the back-of-the-net with consistency is every number nine’s dream, he was quick to stress that putting the team first supersedes everything.
“Obviously it’s always good to score goals for myself,” he said.
“But I want to score goals for the team and do the team thing.
“If that means I’m not scoring myself but giving someone else who’s in a better opportunity the chance to score and get the team in front then that’s what I’ll do.”
Being the youngest striker in the squad, Stamatelopoulos said he has learned plenty from his fellow attackers.
“Well I’ve learnt heaps off the experienced players like Baba (Diawara) and Ken (Ilsø), and George (Blackwood) as well, he’s got parts of his game that are really good,” he continued.
“So I always pick up stuff off other players and try and adapt and learn and get better at the stuff I’m not as good as compared to the other boys.”
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.
