Melbourne Heart Head Coach John Aloisi has heaped praise on his teenage trio that fronted for the first team against Sydney FC on Sunday, including 19-year-old debutant Jeremy Walker.
Melbourne Heart Head Coach John Aloisi has heaped praise on his teenage trio that fronted for the first team against Sydney FC on Sunday, including 19-year-old debutant Jeremy Walker.
Aloisi said the inclusion of two National Youth League players and two contracted senior players under the age of 20 in yesterday-s starting line-up was testament to the Club-s faith in its youth development policy.
Aloisi has shown faith in his younger charges throughout this season, handing debuts to Benjamin Garuccio, Sam Mitchinson and David Vrankovic, before Walker-s debut yesterday.
Without regular full backs Aziz Behich and Michael Marrone, who are away on Qantas Socceroos duties, Walker was handed his Hyundai A-League debut and helped to contain Sydney FC-s Yairo Yau in yesterday-s 0-0 draw at Allianz Stadium.
Fellow National Youth League player, 20-year-old Mitchinson also made his second start since his first appearance on November 2, when he debuted for Heart in the Club-s round five clash against Western Sydney Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium.
Qantas Young Socceroo Garuccio, 17, also started the match, while Aloisi praised Vrankovic who slotted into right back for Walker in the closing stages of the match.
Vrankovic debuted for Heart in the season opener on October 5 against Melbourne Victory.
“It was very promising to see Jeremy out there and I was really pleased with his performance,” Aloisi said.
“Jeremy has been in our Youth team since our inaugural season and he is one of the first signings I made so it has been very promising to see his progress.”
Walker joined Heart in 2011 after a stint with Oakleigh Cannons, and was a direct product of the Tasmanian Institute of Sport system – the first Tasmanian-produced player to feature in the Hyundai A-League.
Aloisi was pleased with Walker-s contribution, including a number of highlights where he dispossessed Sydney-s marquee man Alessandro Del Piero and delivered a dangerous cross to David Williams, whose shot was deflected for a corner in the second half.
“He looked like he enjoyed it and despite being throw into that situation, he didn-t show any nerves, even coming up against Del Piero,” Aloisi said.
“It was also great to see Ben skipping past Fabio on a number of occasions.
“For a 17-year-old, he-s pretty amazing and he is only going to get better.
“Sam and David were also fantastic and they it just goes to show the Club is developing some excellent young talent.”
“Some of the older players, such as Clint Bolton, have been great role models and have guided the players during training and during the match and helping them grow in confidence.”
