A known disciplinarian, Popovic has brought a new level of professionalism to Perth Glory, propelling them to the top of the ladder in his debut season with the club.

According to Ikonomidis, Popovic’s tactical analysis and man management skills have seen his game soar to new heights.

"100% Popovic has raised my game," said Ikonomidis. "He’s a coach who made me feel valued from the start and told me that he was always keen to get me to Perth.

"Having the coach’s confidence does wonders for any footballer and he has obviously done his research into the type of player I am and how he can get the most out of me.

"I’ve played under plenty of coaches in Europe – some who are strict and others who are quiet, but I’ve never enjoyed playing under a coach as much as I have under Popovic. I like to think that’s showing in my performances.

"I feel like I’ve reached a new level personally at Perth."

One of Australia’s hottest young footballing prospects, Ikonomidis has netted five goals in eight games for Perth Glory this season, three of which proved the decisive goal in matches.

The 23-year-old has been rewarded for his stellar performances with selection in the Socceroos' Asian Cup squad – further proving the value of performing in the A-League for fringe Socceroos.

Equally capable in a wing role as he is up front, Ikonomidis brings a new dimension of attacking versatility to Graham Arnold’s squad that contains just a single natural striker in Jamie Maclaren.  

"The striker role feels very natural to me," Ikonomidis added. "We’ve done plenty of tactical and video sessions at Perth and it’s a position that I’m familiar with.

"Whether I’m playing on the wing or as a striker I’m equally comfortable. My versatility is something I’m growing to appreciate about my game - it just helps me stay on the pitch for as long as possible."

Ikonomidis hopes to continue his current form up front against Sydney FC on Friday night in what is set to be a blockbuster clash between first and third place.

While Sydney have appeared vulnerable at the back in recent weeks, a confidence boosting Sydney derby victory for the Sky Blues adds intrigue to their clash with the in-form Glory.

Despite Sydney's recent dominance in the fixture, Ikonomidis promises Glory will take the game to the Sky Blues.

"We’re going into the game as favourites and it will be one of the rare times in A–League history where Sydney’s been the underdog against Perth," he said.

"We’re confident going into the match and we’re not going to bow down to anyone. We’re going to make them earn every single pass and shot they get here on Friday night."

With A-League attendances dwindling to new lows this season, Perth are hopeful the clash at NIB Stadium on Friday night could buck the trend. 

Having played for Lazio and seen the atmosphere of a Derby Della Capitale first hand, Ikonomidis admits that seeing the current state of A-League attendances is disappointing to players.

He added: "It's a shame because as a pure footballer, nothing gets you more excited than a crowd full of people.

"Having that atmosphere when we walk out into the stadium is probably why most of us wanted to get into this profession to begin with so obviously the more people the better.

"I’ve probably seen it all in the Roma Lazio derby - the fireworks, the gas bombs. One day Roma fans came to our training ground ahead of a derby and left piles of poo all over the driveway.

"We couldn’t believe it."