During the mid-season transfer window, Melbourne City bolstered their squad with an influx of international talent, but it is the loan acquisition of winger Marcus Younis that appears to have sparked their revival in form.
Although much attention was focused on the loan signings of former Melbourne Victory players Ryan Teague and Daniel Arzani, who moved from KV Mechelen and Ferencvaros respectively, the deal for Younis has flown somewhat under the radar.
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The 20-year-old has made a significant impact since returning to the Isuzu UTE A-League, netting four goals and providing three assists in just nine league outings, along with a goal and two assists in City’s journey to the Elite 16 of the AFC Champions League.
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Following City’s 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix, where Younis found the back of the net and played the full 90 minutes, the A-Leagues Download team, comprising Jake Barker-Daish, Rashid Mahazi, and Naum Sekulovski, showered the young player with praise on this week’s episode.
“Younis was someone you might have had lower on the list at first. It’s his first true senior experience… but he’s been nothing short of outstanding, hasn’t he?” remarked host Barker-Daish.
“He’s electric. His ability to deliver the ball has been crucial, providing assists, and he’s been scoring too.”
“He adds a dynamic 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’s one of those thrilling players that makes it a joy to watch for a young fan.”
“You look up to him and think, I want to play like him, because he knows how to create opportunities and express himself.”
He concluded, “I thoroughly enjoy watching him play.”
This season, Melbourne City has been managing both their title defence in the Isuzu UTE A-League and commitments in the AFC Champions League, at times appearing close to missing out on the Finals Series.
However, a streak of five unbeaten league matches, including their current three consecutive wins, has propelled them into a finals position, with City now in the crucial sixth place in the Isuzu UTE A-League as they approach the final 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 confirm their place in the Finals Series with one game left to play.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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