Melbourne City has bolstered its squad with a wealth of international talent during the mid-season transfer window, but it’s the loan acquisition of winger Marcus Younis that appears to be the driving force behind their resurgence in form.
While much attention was given to the loan arrivals of ex-Melbourne Victory players Ryan Teague and Daniel Arzani, who joined from KV Mechelen and Ferencvaros respectively, the signing of Younis may have flown under the radar.
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The 20-year-old has made a remarkable impact since returning to the Isuzu UTE A-League, netting four goals and providing three assists in just nine league outings, along with one goal and two assists during City’s journey to the AFC Champions League Elite 16.
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Following City’s recent 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix, where Younis scored and played the entire match, the A-Leagues Download team, comprising Jake Barker-Daish, Rashid Mahazi and Naum Sekulovski, heaped praise on the young player in this week’s episode.
“Younis was someone who might have been a bit further down the pecking order. It’s his first proper senior role… but he’s been nothing short of exceptional, hasn’t he?” remarked host Barker-Daish.
“He’s electric. His delivery is superb; he’s been involved in assists and has scored as well.
“He’s adding a real edge to that front three. It’s incredibly exciting.”
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Former Melbourne Victory midfielder Mahazi added: “He’s so unpredictable, isn’t he? He embodies that exhilarating style of play that makes him a joy to watch for young fans.
“You look up to him and think, I want to play like him because he makes things happen and truly expresses himself.”
He continued, “I just love watching him play.”
Melbourne City has been balancing their title defence in the Isuzu UTE A-League and commitments in the AFC Champions League this season, and at one stage, they seemed on the verge of missing out on the Finals Series.
However, a streak of five unbeaten games in the league, including a current run of three consecutive wins, has propelled them into the finals spots, with City now sitting in the crucial sixth position in the Isuzu UTE A-League as they head into the closing two rounds of the season.
Next up for Younis and the team is an away match against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, where a victory will secure their place in the Finals Series with a game to spare.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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