Under Ernie Merrick, Ivan Vujica, Ben Kantarovski, and leading goal-scorer Roy O’Donovan have all impressed for the resurgent Newcastle Jets. However, Dimitri Petratos has been the real stand out.
In fact, the argument can be made that he’s the league’s form player after six rounds.
Petratos joined brother Kosta at Newcastle after a six-month stint at Ulsan Hyundai in South Korea, starting the season on the wing, with Venezuelan marquee Ronny Vargas holding down the No.10 spot.
Vargas went down with a season-ending injury in the Jets’ 2-1 win over Brisbane – a game in which Petratos scored his second goal of the season – seeing the former Roar and Sydney FC man move central, where he has taken his game to another level.
Before Vargas’ injury, Petratos had:
After Vargas’ injury:
His involvement has stayed consistent, but his contribution has improved since moving to attacking midfielder. He’s made more crosses (his 57 is second in the league, only behind Melbourne Victory’s Leroy George), created almost triple the amount of chances (he leads the league with 19) and has had twice as many shots on goal.
Sure, the injury to Vargas ended the high hopes Jets faithful had for the South American, but his injury has been a blessing in disguise for Petratos, who has taken control of Newcastle’s attack. He now needs to maintain his form for the season.
Merrick told media Vargas is recovering from his injury better than expected and could return by late-February or March, which can only spell bad news for opposition teams. But given Petratos’ form, it might take longer than that for Vargas to make his way back into the starting XI.
Heading into the season, the likes of Milos Ninkovic and Diego Castro would have been tipped to take out the Johnny Warren Medal, but Petratos is shaping as an early contender.
Lionheart
Guest
he's been a favourite of mine for a long time. He'll not let the Jets down.
Realfootball
Guest
He's becoming the player we all hoped he would be - a true number 10. We could see his potential there at Brisbane, but he never quite clicked in the role.
Buddy
Guest
He was playing well before that awful injury and appears to have stepped into the void left by Vargas absence and his style is pleasing to watch. The Jets need to fine tune O’Donovan now as he often appears to be on a slightly different wavelength. If the two of them can hit their straps at the same time they will be a constant menace to all defences.
Griffo
Roar Guru
He had to, and at this stage, it should be something he wants to do. Like Nabbout to a lesser extent I think Petratos was at a stage where he wanted to take opportunities and responsibilities and give it all he's worth. Seeing him preseason and he was relaxed, joking around with his new team mates, and in general seeming to be at home in the team over a number of seasons, not weeks. I think this is a happy team and that can only help a players confidence, which Petratos shows plenty right now.
punter
Guest
I hope so, he has great skills, just lacks consistency to be a very good player.
Fadida
Guest
I think even with Vargas he's upped his game. At Roar he was very much a support act. At the Jets he's a key man, with greater responsibility