Josh Brillante says he feels settled in centre-midfield after a man-of-the-match performance against Brisbane last Saturday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Josh Brillante says he feels settled in the centre of the Jets- midfield after a man-of-the-match performance against Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium last Saturday.
The 19-year-old Young Socceroos representative has performed consistently since coming into the side to replace injured captain Jobe Wheelhouse and was a standout in the Jets- 1-0 win over Brisbane.
“I-ve had a fair few games there now and I-m getting more comfortable each game, so hopefully I can get even better,” Brillante said.
“I think getting the first few touches on the ball is key for me and once I-ve got that done I feel better and can start to express myself.”
While much of the plaudits for the Jets- back-to-back clean sheets have gone to the team-s backline, Brillante has also been instrumental in stifling the opposition-s attacking threats in recent weeks.
Against the Roar, Brillante ensured last season-s Golden Boot winner Besart Berisha and Johnny Warren medallist Thomas Broich had minimal impact on the contest.
“They were their main ball players, so we tried to cut the service off to them and limit their ball skills as much as possible,” Brillante explained.
“I think I did alright, but as a team I think we did pretty well together so I-m more concentrated on how we do as a team rather than how I do myself.
“It was great, everyone was really happy to get their first win in a while.”
Brillante said it was crucial that the Jets backed up their win over Brisbane with another strong performance against the Central Coast Mariners in this weekend-s F3 Derby.
“We-ve just got to put in a good week of training and hopefully back it up against the Mariners this weekend,” he said.
“They-re a really good side, so it-ll be another difficult game.”
