Gertjan Verbeek agreed that Adelaide United’s dominant 3-1 win over Melbourne Victory was their most complete performance in the Hyundai A-League this season.
Riley McGree bagged a brace while Michaël Maria scored one as the Reds secured their third straight win against Victory.
Adelaide controlled the match for huge spells of the game and had 23 shots to Melbourne’s five.
Verbeek was delighted with the team’s display and how they instantly responded after conceding on 61 minutes.
“Last week against Central Coast was also very good, but after half-time it was a little bit less,” he told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“I think today we performed over the whole game very good. We were very dominant, we were attacking with the ball and without the ball and that gives a lot of problems to the opponent.
“And you saw even when they scored the goal, immediately we react in a good way and we scored a second one, and they’re still hungry and score a third goal.”
Adelaide have now won five consecutive games across all competitions and the Dutchman admitted he was pleased with the progress being made.
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He also praised 18-year-old midfielder Louis D’Arrigo for another assured display in the centre of the park, showing maturity beyond his years.
“We’re now together for six months and you play every week now an important game and that’s different from the pre-season,” he said.
“You’ve to try out, they’ve to find out the way of thinking from the coach and I’ve to learn the qualities of my players.
“I think also the progression of what Louis D’Arrigo has made is incredible, 18 years old and playing like this against a tall guy in (Ola) Toivonen.
“I know him from my experience in Holland, it’s amazing how he’s playing.
However, he stated the key to continue this momentum was to not get too carried away and remain grounded.
“If you see the energy we had in the game and how aggressive we were, and how hungry we were to win this game, and then after already four wins – the final and three wins in the league – it seems to be good,” he explained.
“But we now we’ve to stay in our shoes.”
Adelaide United host Wellington Phoenix in Round 8 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 1 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 4.30pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
