It is not every day that young players in the Isuzu UTE A-League receive public acclamation.
Yet, despite being only 20 years old, Corey Hollman has been awarded with the highest praise from one of the A-Leagues most influential players.
After an outstanding performance against cross-city rivals Western Sydney Wanderers, which included Hollman’s first ever A-League assist, team-mate Anthony Caceres had nothing but good words for the young midfielder.
“Today, I felt very comfortable next to Corey who I think is one of our unsung heroes. I think he gets through a lot of work, and he is a true professional.”
Anthony Caceres on Hollman’s performance.
The young gun’s effort, setting up Sydney FC’s third and crucial Robert Mak goal, was a pivotal moment in leading the Sky Blues to their 17th Sydney Derby victory.
“To get my first assist for the season was amazing. There have been a few chances over the season, so it is nice to finally be on the stat sheet,” he said.
“Caceres saying that was really nice to hear. He is an amazing human being first and foremost and an amazing footballer as well.
“I do a lot of work for the team and whilst it may not get recognised publicly, I think the team and Uffy appreciate it and that’s what matters most,” said the 20-year-old.
The up-and-coming defensive midfielder has impressed football fans and gained the respect of his peers since making his professional debut in 2021.
Last weekend marked the second Derby appearance for the former Sydney FC Academy representative. Hailing from Seaforth in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Hollman shared his satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“It was a really good game as a team. I think it was our best game yet this season.
“I think our press was very important. We tried to suffocate them [Western Sydney Wanderers] and not give them the option to play through us.
“On the ball, we started off quite direct. Once the game settled, we got two goals quite early which was very fortunate.”
This weekend, the Sky Blues will host the Brisbane Roar for a crucial round 20 showdown. The unsung hero for the Sky Blues midfield is not fazed by the challenge that awaits.
Undaunted by Brisbane Roar, Hollman will go face-to-face with the likes of All Whites representative, Marco Rojas, and goal magnet, Nikola Mileusnic.
“This game is very important. I think all games from now to the end of the season will help decide the finals position. We want to get as close to the top as possible.
“They [Brisbane Roar] are closer to the top six now so they will be eager to get that spot.
“Brisbane have a few new players this season. They have a lot of quality upfront. Brisbane can really hurt teams. In saying that, we too have a great team, and we know how we like to play. We will play our own game.
“The boys will be ready to go again. There will not be any complacency from the weekend,” he continued.
Since adopting a new playing style under the leadership of Ufuk Talay, Sydney FC have turned the odds around and have set their sights on another Premiership win. Hoping to appear at his first A-League Finals, the guidance of Talay has meant a great deal to the young player.
“I think what we have been working on in training the last month since Uffy signed on really came to fruition last weekend,
“Uffy’s support has been really good. He has been pushing us hard at training and I think you can see we are a fit team now. His feedback has been really important to me over the season,” Hollman shared.
With two shots on target in the last four weeks, Sky Blue fans could potentially predict Hollman’s first A-League goal.
“If I score my first goal this weekend, I will be ecstatic, but I can’t make any promises,” he joked.
You can cheer on Corey and the Sydney FC squad at Allianz Stadium this Sunday evening or via Paramount+ and 10BOLD.
Match Details:
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 20
Sunday 10th March, 2024
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 5:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Bold & 10 Play.
Tickets: Click Here
