Newcastle coach Arthur Papas says there’s more to come from Valentino Yuel after the forward’s brace helped the Jets overcome a two-goal deficit to snatch a 2-2 draw against Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues raced ahead at Kogarah Oval with an Adam Le Fondre penalty and Elvis Kamsoba strike giving Steve Corica’s men a 2-0 lead after half an hour on Saturday.
But inspired by Yuel out on the left, the Jets hit back with the former Western United forward scoring twice in the space of eight minutes to earn them a valuable point.
Yuel, who enjoyed a running duel with Socceroos fullback Rhyan Grant, already has three goals so far this A-League Men’s season with Papas suggesting the 27-year-old has yet to scratch the surface of his ability.
“I’ve known Val from prior to coming to Newcastle and I don’t think he’s reached anywhere near what his ceiling is,” Papas said.
Valentino Yuel is pressing for a Newcastle Jets starting berth. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
“I think you saw him take on a very good fullback and make it difficult for him.
“For him, it’s about not just having tricks but also having outcomes by setting up goals. I think he’s got a lot of improvement in him.
“The challenge for Val was about simplifying things in the final third so he’s not overthinking things and being more instinctive.
“He’s hard-working, he’s open to work, he gets his reward and the challenge will be for him to go and do it next week.”
Yuel is currently scoring at a rate of a goal every 57 minutes so far this season but he has yet to taste victory under Papas.
(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
But the Jets coach, who returns home on Friday for a clash with Wellington, said he was seeing weekly improvements in his side’s application of his tactical blueprint.
“The spirit and intent is important and I’m pleased with aspects of the performance,” he said.
“There’s been large portions of all the games so far where we have played some really good football.
“When certain things don’t go to plan we need to be more resilient in those periods and we need to know how to not be on the wrong end of two goals because we switch off for five minutes.
“I know the process we need to keep continuing. It’s not an upward curve because anything towards success is up and down.
“I’m pleased with the unity, spirit and togetherness of our group. They have conviction about how they play and that makes me feel optimistic about what we’re doing.”
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I cant see how Yuel can do any better, three goals, 1 assist , in 3 matches and he came on late in the first match. How did he improve so much in one season . Newcastle made ODonovan their priority the 2 seasons previous, it wasn't like ODonovan scored a lot of goals, his pressing became non existent, he didnt hold up the ball or setup others. Effectively they were holding back their other players by having ODonovan there.
Para+Ten ISUZU Subway support Australian Football
Roar Rookie
Yes, Ninko 37; missing Brattan hasn’t helped either, I guess.
Marcel
Guest
In the time before VAR... Sydney would have won the game 3-1 and not a single person would have complained.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Ninkovic is 36 turning 37 this month, he wasn't that much better last season, its just a steady decline, the main thing that has changed is the scoreline, even if he had an average match previous seasons he sometimes was proclaimed man of match because they won. SFC are not struggling I think they had the better of every match so far, just not the scoreboard but certainly subbing off Ninkovic early in the second half would have most likely earned Sydney 4 more points than they currently have . I think the teams are tougher this season, and were more dysfunctional last season as well. Bad finishing from the opposition has gone.
Para+Ten ISUZU Subway support Australian Football
Roar Rookie
Surprisingly a very good performance by Newcastle last night. Valentino Yuel, had a blinder and Papas is definitely putting his stamp on the team. I am impressed with their attitude, 0-2 down to fight back and gain a point away from home is impressive. I think we will see them take a few scalps before the end of the season. My team SFC are struggling---very obvious with Ninko not playing to his usual high standard; he seems to be at half pace this year. I am not sure why, but at 35 yrs old I think he has retirement on his mind.