Kick360 speaks with Sydney FC stars Patrick Yazbek and Alex Wilkinson to get a pulse on what the rookie and veteran respectively are looking forward to in 2022-23.
On the back of a breakout season in 2021-22, big things are expected of up-and-comer Patrick Yazbek in the new A-League campaign.
The 20-year-old will be looking to cement himself in Steve Corica’s starting 11 and build on his 14 appearances last season. With the manager’s shift in formation, the No.6 role at the base of the midfield three is Yazbek’s for the taking.
Growing up as a Sydney FC fan, it’s a huge opportunity to make himself a valuable part of his hometown club.
Competition for the midfield places will come from the likes of Jack Rodwell, Paulo Retre, Max Burgess and Anthony Caceres. Yazbek has featured in the pivot role in Sydney’s Australia Cup fixtures but has also been spending time in the other midfield roles in training.
“Provided I’m healthy, I want to make sure I can get as many minutes as possible,” the young midfielder tells Kick360 during the club’s media day at the new Allianz Stadium.
“As a young player, that’s what you need to grow. Coming off last season, I just want to do better than that and continue to grow as a player.”
With eight Olyroos caps to his name, Yazbek has been identified as a star of the future. Granted, central midfield is a position of strength in the current Socceroos side, but it’s not too far-fetched to envision him challenging the likes of Aaron Mooy and Jackson Irvine for a spot in the team within the next few years.
What does the man himself think of that?
“I don’t like to look too far, you know? Because everything can change so quickly in this industry,” he explains.
“As a young player, obviously I do want to go overseas, go to Europe to play and also to represent my country at the highest level.
“For now, I just want to take it slowly and focus on Sydney FC. But if I do well here, other opportunities will open up and we’ll go from there.”
Yazbek says he’s looking forward to working with the likes of Rodwell, Joe Lolley and Robert Mak who’ve been brought in over the off-season.
“Rob’s played at the highest levels and obviously he’s a quality player. He brings a lot of experience to the team. Same as Joe – he’s very sharp, good on the ball. He’s an exciting player to watch.
“Jack is just a beast. He’s physical, a good ball-winner, that English style of play. Alex (Parsons) also brings something different off the bench.”
It’s sure to be an intriguing season in Moore Park and there will be lots of interest in Yazbek if he can make one of the midfield spots his own.
Captain Alex Wilkinson, on the other hand, is no stranger to A-League football. There’s a little bit of grey in the beard of the veteran of more than 350 games but he’s still got the hunger to go through another pre-season and launch a tilt for the A-League championship once more.
“It’s the world’s longest pre-season but it’s good we’re getting close now,” Wilkinson tells Kick360.
“The new stadium is looking sensational. Perfect game with Melbourne Victory in Round 1 so we’re all ready to get started.”
The 38-year-old centre-half is keen to rectify things after a 2021-22 campaign that no one involved with the club, from fans to players and coaches, perceived as acceptable.
“The same as it always is – the club’s goal is to win it (the A-League championship),” he explains.
“We’re judged by the standards we set as a group and the standards are very high when you look at the last five years. We need to be challenging for titles this year.
“For me personally, it’s all about staying fit and playing as many games as possible so I can help the team get back to where it needs to be.”
Wilkinson notes the impact of the new international arrivals such as Robert Mak and Joe Lolley but he’s also keen to give a nod to the club’s youth players.
“We’ve got a lot of academy players who’ve stepped up,” he says.
“It’s great to see the academy system is working so well. Last year the 20s won the Grand Final and the senior team were doing well until the final few rounds.
“We’ve got Yaz who’ll be looking to break through and get a regular spot this year, Woody (Patrick Wood) is coming back from injury and Aaron Gurd who’s played a few of the Cup games – the list goes on.”
When asked about his plans beyond 2022-23, Wilkinson is adamant that he wants to remain in the beautiful game, whether it’s playing, coaching or in another role.
“At the moment, it’s year-to-year for me. I said the same thing last year – at my age, it’s all about how the body is holding up. As for next year, I’m not too sure.
“After the career, I’d love to stay involved in the game in some capacity.
“I’m studying at uni at the moment, I’m doing my MBA (Master of Business Administration). I’d love to use that within the game of football in the admin area, so we’ll wait and see.”
