Steve Lustica liked what he heard when Coach Josep Gombau outlined the football he intends the Reds to play and that he wants the Canberra born midfielder to be part of it.
Steve Lustica liked what he heard when Coach Josep Gombau outlined the football he intends the Reds to play and that he wants the Canberra born midfielder to be part of it.
Adelaide United-s latest signing touched down in Adelaide last weekend from Croatia after parting ways with his previous club Hajduk Split.
On completing his second training session at his new club, the former National Youth League Player of the Year is enjoying being under Gombau-s instruction and the fluent, possession based style the Spaniard has the Reds working on.
From the moment he spoke with Gombau on the phone prior to penning a one year contract with Adelaide, Lustica knew it was the place he wanted to come to.
“He (Gombau) explained the brand of football he wants to play and that-s exactly the way I like to play football,” Lustica said.
“That passing style suits my style and that-s hopefully what I can bring to the team.”
There are not too many Australians, let alone 22 year olds, who can boast having played against European giants Inter Milan and Barcelona, but Lustica is one. During his time in Croatia, Lustica played against some of the world-s best. Lustica hopes his experiences while in Croatia will benefit both him and the Reds as he looks to find his niche and make his mark in Gombau-s team.
“There are a lot of technical players over there (in Croatia) and the standard is pretty high,” Lustica said.
“I got some experience playing in the Europa League as well against some quality teams – the likes of Inter Milan and Barcelona, so it was quality experience and I took a lot from my time over there.”
A former Young Socceroo, Lustica made ten appearances and scored two goals while on loan with Brisbane Roar last season, two of those appearances coming against the Reds at Hindmarsh Stadium.
