Wellington Phoenix is hoping that the reintroduction of playmakers Yan Sasse and David Ball would provide the creative spark they require to contend with a surging Melbourne City.
Ball missed the Phoenix’s first three games due to injury, and Sasse missed their last two games due to suspension after being dismissed 25 minutes into his round-one start.
In his second league game, the Brazilian will be especially eager to display his inventiveness on Sunday at AAMI Park.
Wellington coach Ufuk Talay stated, “We brought in Yan because we think he’s an influential player in the role that he plays.
He is a creative player, which is something we may have needed in the last few games.
As the Phoenix prepare for their 2022–23 season, Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine, Bozhidar Kraev, and Oskar Zawada will be vying for a starting position with Sasse and Ball.
Ball, who acknowledged that he had anticipated being sidelined until after the World Cup break, said that Wellington’s increased attacking depth boosted the number of players who could enter a match and make a difference.
“Over the last couple of years, I think we’ve lost that competition, and right now, (Talay’s) pretty much saying, whoever goes in, whoever he picks, it’s then your shirt to lose,” he said.
We must see that as a plus. “We’ve got good competition (for spots), which creates good competition on the practise field and brings everyone up.”
Wellington is still searching for their first victory of the new season after suffering a humiliating 3-1 loss to Newcastle in their previous match.
To topple ladder-leaders City, they will need to perform at their highest level.
“For me, Melbourne City are the best team in the competition,” Talay said.
“They’ve got three wins, they’re flying high, they’ve got some really good players and they play some really good football. ” I consider it a fantastic opportunity to go and face the greatest team.
Phoenix is hoping that Ball and Sasse’s comeback will ignite Melbourne.
About Author
