By Simon Chiarelli

A former Joeys captain, Patafta has joined the club from European giants Benfica, in a move which further strengthens Melbourne’s seemingly indomitable squad following the acquisitions of Joe Keenan and Costa Rican World Cup star Carlos Hernandez.

Victory coach Ernie Merrick was overjoyed to have finally secured the Canberra-born midfielder for the forthcoming A-League season and Asian Champions League campaign after protracted negotiations.

“Kaz’s paperwork came through this morning and what a tremendous addition he is to the squad,” he said.

“He is very quick, very skilful, very mature, a potential goalscorer and probably one of the best youngsters ever produced through the Australian Institute of Sport system.”

Merrick believes Patafta’s versatility is one of his greatest assets, and he hasn’t ruled out the possibility the youngster could play a role as back-up striker to Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp.

“Kaz offers the chance to play him as an attacking midfielder, but being an 18-year old continuing to develop, he could possibly play a whole range of positions from central midfield, wide midfield and attacker,” he said.

“Given his physical and technical skills, as well as his strategic knowledge, I haven’t put any limits on the position he can play and that is the type of player which makes it easier on the coach when it comes to team selection.”
However, Merrick also admitted the club were still on the lookout for a back-up striker, alluding to the possibility Melbourne may scour the Victorian Premier League for any options.

Patafta returns from Europe next week and is poised to travel to China with the squad for Melbourne’s Asian adventure against Tianjin Teda and the Chinese national team.