Mindful of David Villa’s impending exit, Melbourne City are confident they’re building some substance to last beyond the Spaniard’s stay.
Villa is living up to his reputation as arguably the most talented foreigner to ever play in the A-League, netting equalisers to earn the club 1-1 draws against Sydney FC and Newcastle.
Spain’s all-time leading scorer is on loan and will depart in December, but midfielder Massimo Murdocca says it won’t be doomsday for City.
“The good thing about us is that, even though he has scored both of our goals, we’re not really looking to him 100 per cent,” Murdocca said at Monday’s recovery session.
“We’re quite confident that when he leaves we can continue to play well … we’re building a style that will continue beyond David Villa.
“That’s the philosophy we have to have. Because if we start relying on one or two players, we’re not really going to progress.”
For now, Villa continues to be the talk of the town.
The 32-year-old will take centre stage on Saturday night, when Melbourne Victory host their first A-League derby since Heart became City.
Having been a protagonist during many an El Clasico during his time at Barcelona, Villa didn’t need any schooling about City’s biggest regular-season match.
“David knows what to expect in a derby. As soon as he heard the word, he knew exactly what we were talking about,” Murdocca said.
“He will be ready for it. Same as (Irish recruit) Damien Duff.
“We’re all looking forward to it … you just feel the tension now, everyone’s waiting for it.”
The game will also be Victory marquee Besart Berisha’s first derby, with Murdocca ready to renew acquaintances with his fiercely competitive ex-teammate.
“When I was at Brisbane, I always said to my teammates I wouldn’t want to play against him,” he said.
“That still remains the case, but now I have to.
“If he drops into midfield, I’ll deal with him,” he added with a grin.
Murdocca, one of City’s best in Sunday’s draw with Newcastle, suggested he is more worried about banking the side’s first victory of 2014/15 than the hype that accompanies a derby.
“If we can get our first win against them, it could probably set us up for the whole year,” he said.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
MCFC just reached 10,000 members congrats Stevo :-)
Stevo
Roar Rookie
LOL, awaiting moderation !!!!
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
No drama - if Villa scores 3; Musky's boys will score 4.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
"This guy is a player oozing with class, just play the ball at his feet or slightly either side and watch him do the rest." +1,000,000 My view exactly. We have some asses in our team that haven't got a clue how to play alongside a world class player. When Villa asks for the ball, pass it to him!!!! When Duff asks for the ball, pass it to him. They will do the rest as has been shown FFS already.
Punter
Guest
May the circus last at least one more week & Villa scores a hat trick against Musky's boys.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Where did I say that the majority of passes or attacks need to go through Villa. In ADP's case he got way too many touches in the team and while he was still a skillful player, he definitely lost a step or two in pace. In Melbourne Citys case it is like they are purposely trying to avoid him altogether. He is just not getting the ball enough. A big difference.
Justin Mahon
Roar Rookie
Circus.
Punter
Guest
Sydney only had ADP to pass it to, MC has alot more.
AZ_RBB
Guest
From what Fox is reporting. He will leave after the Round 4 match v Adelaide and then might come back for Round 7. Would love to see him feature vs WSW in mid-December.
JohnL
Guest
Probably within a couple of weeks
The Bear
Guest
At least he'll arguably experience the biggest Derby of the HAL. Perhaps the impression of his short stay will trickle down and ripple out to the broader higher echelons of Football stars. Will we see him back again? at 34 years e.g.?? I'd say looking into my crystal ball he'd be a lightning rod for public interest and football excellence still, similar to ADP.
bobbym
Guest
Look what happened to Sydney when everyone looked to pass the ball only to ADP! There's 10 others in a team
RBBAnonymous
Guest
David Villa is turning out to be everything we expected and more. I would suggest that Melbourne City take advantage of this period while they can. He has been largely ignored by his teammates in general play and they need to give him MORE touches of the ball. I find it incredible the way his players are providing him with the ball with useless over the top passes or crosses he has no chance of winning. This guy is a player oozing with class, just play the ball at his feet or slightly either side and watch him do the rest. A shimmy, a flick, a neat turn, a drop of the shoulder and he is past his man with ease. Sure you have to learn to play without David Villa, but while he is here you might as well use him to full effect. I am sure New York City is happy with his progress, by the time he finishes his stint here he will be fully fit and primed and ready to be unleashed in the MLS. The guy is a goal scoring machine, a real joy to watch.
AZ_RBB
Guest
News Ltd reporting that Villa be gone within the next month.