Melbourne City star Aaron Mooy says his dynamic FFA Cup form is down to a revitalised fitness regime at the A-League club.
After scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Edgeworth last round, Mooy was again on the mark in Wednesday night’s 5-1 drubbing of Wellington Phoenix.
The 24-year-old Socceroo again set the pace for John van ‘t Schip’s side with a busy showing, opening the scoring expertly from the penalty spot.
He’ll head off for national team duty on Sunday, confident in his performances and his body after a knee injury in the finals series last May.
Mooy credits the arrival of Ed Leng, the club’s new sports science head from English Premier League club Tottenham, for getting him up and running.
“I’m feeling good. I’m feeling stronger than last season, doing a lot of weights this year compared to last year,” he said.
“It’s not bulking up – it’s more power work. The new fitness coach here is doing a great job.”
According to the release of Professional Footballers Australia’s A-League Injury Report, Leng arrived at the right time.
City are last on the ladder for players missing in action due to injuries last season.
And such is the luck that befalls Melbourne City, even the best win in the club’s history on Wednesday night came with a cloud.
Half an hour into the 5-1 victory – which featured four penalties – Harry Novillo hobbled down the tunnel with a nasty-looking hamstring issue.
The French-born excitement machine was the most-dangerous attacker on the pitch before his injury, striking the crossbar and then scoring from tremendous solo efforts.
“Harry’s a disappointment. He’s probably injured – what he has we don’t know,” van ‘t Schip said.
“Hopefully, it’s not something big because he’s an important player. You saw in the beginning he was threatening, linking up dangerous and has a great finish.”
Mooy, the FFA Cup’s leading scorer, turns his hand to the challenges of Bangladesh and Tajikistan and hopes to continue his fine form.
“I know nothing about who we’re playing but I’m sure we’ll be informed,” he said.
“It’s a game that means a lot; the country needs the points, everyone is going to be giving 100 per cent.”
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