Adelaide United striker Sergio van Dijk will make his 100th appearance in the Hyundai A-League tomorrow night against Perth Glory.
Adelaide United striker Sergio van Dijk will make his 100th appearance in the Hyundai A-League tomorrow night against Perth Glory.
Having made 50 Hyundai A-League appearances in two seasons with Brisbane Roar and 49 to date with the Reds, van Dijk is in line to reach the 100 in front of the United faithful at Hindmarsh.
While proud to be reaching the milestone, van Dijk says he is more concerned about helping the Reds rediscover that winning feeling and building some confidence ahead of the AFC Champions League.
“I think it-s more a side issue,” van Dijk said of his personal achievement.
“At the moment I think we better focus on more important things and that-s finishing the season off on a high note, and also the ACL next week.”
“I hope we can change it around, and I think that-s what we owe the supporters.”
After arriving in Australia from Holland in 2008, van Dijk quickly developed a reputation as one of the Hyundai A-League-s most lethal marksman and a player that football fans around the country would go to games to watch him ply his trade.
In fact, what is almost more impressive than the 100 games feat is that van Dijk is just one goal shy of 50 in the Hyundai A-League.
The Dutchman has been on 49 for the past five games and while he would have preferred to have scored his 50th goal by now, it would be somewhat fitting if he found the back of the net in his 100th Hyundai A-League appearance to keep up his average of a goal every two games.
Van Dijk-s impact has certainly not been lost on United Coach John Kosmina, who knew the robust forward with a deadly left foot was something special the first time he saw him.
“Serge has been a fantastic acquisition for Australian football,” Kosmina said.
“I coached for Sydney FC against Brisbane (Roar) when he first came out in a pre season cup match at Campbelltown in Sydney and I couldn-t believe how good he was.”
“He scored in that game as well, he was smooth and I think his goal scoring record speaks for itself, so I-d like him to get one on Thursday night to add to that tally, and so would he I think.”
Meanwhile, versatile Reds midfielder Cameron Watson will make his 50th Hyundai A-League appearance if he takes the field against the Glory. The 24 year old played 28 games in 2010/11 and is poised to run out in his 22nd match this season.
