EXCLUSIVE: Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar predicts his attacking midfielder Diego can take his stunning ACL form into the domestic competition to become the best player in this season's A-League.
The Sao Paolo-born 29-year-old is starting his third season at Hindmarsh. And after an impressive Asian Champions League campaign - where he found the back of the net three times, including the crucial winner against Pohang Steelers at home - now is the time for the former Miami FC star to hit the headlines in the A-League, according to Vidmar.
"We had five to six weeks before our first [ACL] game and we really worked him hard. And he came through that unscathed and proved the point that if you look after yourself you'll do well," Vidmar told au.fourfourtwo.com.
"I've had a chat to him and I'm really expecting big things from him. I think he's got the potential to being the player of the competition.
"He was one of our best players in the ACL without doubt. And he's really looked after himself. He's certainly built a foundation for a solid year."
It's been difficult to adjust to A-League football for Diego, but after two full seasons, Vidmar feels the transformation is now complete with steel added to the midfielder's silky qualities.
"He's one of those players who's like a ball magnet. He's always in the right positions. He's not the quickest of blokes but he certainly can get past players and we're looking for big things from him."
"He struggled a little throughout the season and since he's been in Australia. He certainly had the qualities when Kossie [former coach John Kosmina] signed him 18 months ago."
Meanwhile, Vidmar reports that of the two off-season Brazilian signings, striker Cristiano has settled in better than right back Alemao.
"Cristiano speaks English which helps. Both have settled in well in the group. But in terms of what we're looking for, Cristiano has settled quicker."
The Reds may sign another player, says Vidmar, but being close to the salary cap will limit the amount they can spend.
United has also had a good look at its ACL opponents Kashima Antlers with now retired Richie Alagich scouting for the club last weekend at their J-League match against FC Tokyo. The Antlers thrashed FC 4-1 to go top of the J-League.
"We had five to six weeks before our first [ACL] game and we really worked him hard. And he came through that unscathed and proved the point that if you look after yourself you'll do well," Vidmar told au.fourfourtwo.com.
"I've had a chat to him and I'm really expecting big things from him. I think he's got the potential to being the player of the competition.
"He was one of our best players in the ACL without doubt. And he's really looked after himself. He's certainly built a foundation for a solid year."
It's been difficult to adjust to A-League football for Diego, but after two full seasons, Vidmar feels the transformation is now complete with steel added to the midfielder's silky qualities.
"He's one of those players who's like a ball magnet. He's always in the right positions. He's not the quickest of blokes but he certainly can get past players and we're looking for big things from him."
"He struggled a little throughout the season and since he's been in Australia. He certainly had the qualities when Kossie [former coach John Kosmina] signed him 18 months ago."
Meanwhile, Vidmar reports that of the two off-season Brazilian signings, striker Cristiano has settled in better than right back Alemao.
"Cristiano speaks English which helps. Both have settled in well in the group. But in terms of what we're looking for, Cristiano has settled quicker."
The Reds may sign another player, says Vidmar, but being close to the salary cap will limit the amount they can spend.
United has also had a good look at its ACL opponents Kashima Antlers with now retired Richie Alagich scouting for the club last weekend at their J-League match against FC Tokyo. The Antlers thrashed FC 4-1 to go top of the J-League.
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