Identified as “one to watch” by those within the club the 21-year-old midfielder/defender is keen to wring every opportunity from the months ahead.

To do that he will have to make his presence felt in a squad that many pundits predict will be pushing for honours come the pointy end of the season. It’s a challenge the quietly-spoken footballer relishes.

“This is my third season in the A-league so I definitely want to establish myself at this level and hopefully get as many opportunities as I can,” Malik said.

“I’ve got quite a bit of competition at the moment but I see that as a good thing because it’s motivation and you know you have to be at your best to get any kind of playing time.”

Malik came to prominence in Adelaide’s inaugural youth team and capped off his first stint at United with an impressive senior debut at the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

A solid preseason with the Reds this time around - putting in shifts at centre-back, right-back and centre-midfield – has underscored his growing reputation for versatility.

It’s a quality that caught the eye of Rini Coolen and convinced the head coach to lure the South Australian back to his home state after two seasons with North Queensland.

The move brought an end to a period fraught with insecurity for Malik who, along with his teammates, suffered through the protracted demise of the Townsville-based franchise.

If the Fury experience has taught him anything it’s that there are no certainties in football.

“(At Fury) we were all pretty much on one year deals and there was a lot of pressure because we knew if anyone had a poor season as far as injuries or whatever there might not be a chance to play anywhere else,” Malik said.

“A lot of my friends are still without a club and it’s pretty hard to be honest. And then there’s the North Queensland fans - I feel for them as well.”

Now with two senior seasons under his belt the talented footballer with Socceroos aspirations believes he knows what it takes to make it in the A-League.

“Obviously, when you first come in you worry about whether you’ll fit in or if you’ll be good enough to play at this level, but the more you play the more confident you get,” he said.

“I have that self-belief now and the more confident I am in myself the more confident I am on the pitch.”

Malik has another reason to grab Season 7 with both hands. As the son of a Sudanese immigrant who left his homeland – and the game - to study in Greece, he knows better than most not to squander opportunities.

“My Dad has been my biggest football influence, definitely,” he said. “From a young kid he was always encouraging me. He had a ball at my feet probably from the age of three or four.

“He always focused on a technical style of play and I’ve always tried to follow that philosophy.

“Obviously my Dad had limited opportunities so I consider myself lucky that in Australia I’m free to pursue my goals and live my dreams.”

Ozzie’s take on football
Secret to success: Hard work, dedication and enjoying the game
Career highlight: The 2008 Club World Cup
Pick of the A-League young guns: Isaka Cernak (Melbourne Victory), Jack Hingert (Brisbane Roar), Brad McDonald (Central Coast Mariners), Chris Payne (Newcastle Jets) and Marco Rojas (Melbourne Victory)
Plan B: A lounge bar in Adelaide featuring jazz, soul and a little hip-hop