Tass Mourdoukoutas may only be 22 years of age, but believe it or not, he is entering his 5th season in the Red and Black of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Having made his debut under Markus Babbel in 2019, he has seen lot of change on and off the pitch.
“Seeing how this club has developed over the years is really impressive, the amount of work done not only on the training facilities but also the stadium, the team – I’ve played with a lot of really good players over these last four or five years. It’s very enjoyable to be apart of and it’s a good family club, really well run from the top down and its been a pleasure every day,” Mourdoukoutas told Kick360.
Having made 13 appearances in what was an injury interrupted 2020-21 season, Mourdoukoutas is looking to bring a greater sense of consistency to his game.
“I had a solid season and one that I can definitely build on in the coming campaign. I had some good performances last year but they probably didn’t come often enough, that’s something I’m looking to build on this year and there’s always room to improve on my game.
“There’s definitely parts of my game that need work. Getting stronger physically and aerially and being more dominant in that sense. Being more commanding as a leader in the team, someone who is going to talk and boss on the field and lead by example I think is really important.”
There has been a positive buzz surrounding the Western Sydney Wanderers this pre-season, and Mourdoukoutas spoke highly of the squad and their ambitions for the season.
“This year our goal is to make the finals and, to be honest to go further and win the league, that’s the goal for the team and for me too. I want to win things here, been here a while now and it’s time to get that done for sure.
“It’s a young group, it’s a really talented group of players and I think with the players we brought in there’s no reason why we can’t do really well this season. And it starts with each and every player building on themselves personally, which will only positively affect the rest of the group.”
It appears in pre-season that the Wanderers have shifted from a back three to a back four, as demonstrated in the Sydney Derby this week which has resulted in players like Mourdoukoutas playing as a defensive midfielder. And he hinted that it could become a regular occurrence.
“I have been playing a lot more as a number six this pre-season, especially as a midfielder. It’s a part of my game I’ve always had to be honest, it was only when I joined the A-League side that I came in as a centre back.
“I don’t just pigeon hole myself into one position, wherever the team requires me to be whether it’s on the day or that week in training, it doesn’t matter. I believe I have the attributes to play there, the passing and the positioning is a big strength in my game; whether I can offer that from a bit deeper in centre back or out of midfield is something that I can definitely do.”
As much as Mourdoukoutas is focused on bringing success belatedly back to the club, he cannot help but have one eye on the future, such is his promise.
“I work each and every day to build myself a better future for me and my family. But we want current success with the Wanderers, when we’re training everyday that’s what we want that’s what the group wants and that will benefit everyone in the team.
“You look for the future, you want to be in the Socceroos, you want to be reaching the highest levels of football, and that’s what everyone works for. It’s hard; day-by-day you’re probably looking at team success but then I’m definitely working that hard for the future.”
Image Supplied: Western Sydney Wanderers
