Following another good showing from Jesse Makarounas in the AFC Champions League, Melbourne Victory head coach Kevin Muscat was pleased with the youngster’s performances and his recent development.
Makarounas has only made a handful of appearances so far for the Victory, with most of his game time this season coming off the bench in the A-League.
His performance against Guangzhou Evergrande in Matchday 1 of the Group Stage showcased some of his best football to date, and Muscat is pleased to see Makarounas begin to show his ability at senior level.
“He’s been good,” Muscat said.
“His understudying of what’s required, and he’s slightly maturing as a footballer, he’s only a young footballer and I thought he’d done well tonight as well.
“He’s up against some experienced individuals and he’s improving slowly, his journey’s only starting and it’s important the he – just progresses and this competition will only enhance that.”
With Finkler left out of the AFC Champions League squad, the onus has been on Makarounas to step up to the plate to allow for more squad rotation, and he has begun well.
Muscat puts the young midfielder’s impressive showing down to a personal determination to succeed at a professional level.
“I just think he wants to be a professional footballer, he wants to carve a career out of this game,” he said.
“He’s making progress and he certainly understands that he’s got a long way to go but I was pleased with him again tonight.”
Next up for Makarounas is a trip to his former club Perth Glory, and should he make the match day squad, will be chomping at the bit to get one over his old club.