Sydney FC midfielder Anthony Caceres says he’s ready to step up and star as the Sky Blues enter their busiest period of the 2019/20 season.
While dismissing comparisons to 2016/17 Johnny Warren medal winner Milos Ninkovic, the Uruguayan orchestrator believes he has plenty to offer the club, with Hyundai A-League and AFC Champions League commitments coming thick and fast.
“I don’t see myself as a replacement for Ninko. Ninko is Ninko and he’s probably irreplaceable,” Caceres said.
“In saying that, I feel like I’ve got a lot to give this club, I base my game around creating chances and that’s along the lines of what Ninko does but I focus on myself and don’t really compare.
“It [the lack of game time] has been a challenge but I feel that it’s made me work on my game and made me improve in many ways.
“It’s tested my resilience but it’s become clear to me that I have what it takes to push for a starting spot.
“I feel like when I’ve played, I’ve performed well and made a good case for myself. I’m happy with how things are going despite the lack of game time but we’ve got a busy period coming up, a lot of challenges ahead and I feel I’ll play a big role for the team.”
The Sky Blues face Newcastle Jets away at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night, and while the hosts recently sacking their Head Coach, Caceres believes there won’t be any added threat from the Jets as a result.
“It’s as dangerous as any other game really,” he said of Friday night’s clash.
“When teams have nothing to lose, they play their best football, there’s not much at risk and they want to try things.
“We just need to concentrate however, and be structurally sound, and if we play the way we always play and do our jobs we should come away with the win.
“We’re very sure of what we’re doing and if we execute our gameplan we’re confident we’ll come away with a win.
“There’s no room for complacency, our attitude is spot on in most games, and it’s pleasing to see that attitude and that’s what we need to keep on going.
“It’s a good group, we’re close knit and everyone gets on,” he continued.
“I think that relationship translates onto the field and everyone works hard for each other. If you look at the performances in all the games we’ve worked together as a unit everyone pulls their weight defensively and also tries to contribute in attack.
“We’re a very well-rounded team this year.”
Sydney FC take on the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday 10th January (kick off 7:30pm AEDT). Catch the live on Fox Sports 505, stream on the ‘My Football Live’ app or follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for live updates.
