Ultimately it is his name that is etched onto the Hyundai A-League’s Golden Boot Award, but Sergio van Dijk is quick to acknowledge that he could not have led the league’s scoring charts without the efforts of his team mates.
Having finished fourth in the leading goal scorers race last season and equal second the year before at the end of the minor round, 2010/11 saw van Dijk claim his first Golden Boot.
The Dutchman found the back of the net 16 times from 28 appearances in the regular season to clearly dominate the Award, van Dijk finishing five goals clear of Melbourne Victory-s Robbie Kruse and Brisbane Roar duo Kosta Barbarouses and Jean Carlos Solorzano.
But while van Dijk is thrilled to win the Golden Boot, he says the achievement was only made possible due to the Reds- attacking potency across the park and game style that provided him with the opportunities.
“I-m really excited to be the top goal scorer and win a prize for that. For me it-s a highlight in my career because I rate the A-League and to be top goal scorer is something great,” van Dijk said.
“Obviously I didn-t do it alone, I had a good team around me who knew how to play the way I play, so I have to thank the other guys as well.”
“Our attack was very dangerous so the defence of the opponent has to focus on multiple players instead of only one and that gave me more space and better chances to score.”
“I think the way we played was more suitable for me, like over the wings, especially on the left side with the likes of Cassio, Lucas Pantelis, Iain Ramsay and Joey Keenan because those guys knew what I wanted and that makes it a lot easier.”
Before joining the Reds, van Dijk averaged a goal every two games in his 50 appearances for Brisbane Roar.
“My target was to score at least a goal every two games, which is the rate I had at Brisbane, and I wanted to do it here as well,” van Dijk said.
“Obviously I want to get it better than that but that was the minimum, and to end with 16 goals in 28 games, I think that-s reasonable.”
Following his fruitful year in front of goal, which rightfully emphasised why clubs were so keen to secure his services when his contract with the Roar finished at the end of last season, it is hard to think that van Dijk can exceed the already lofty heights he has set, but he hopes he can spoil Reds fans with an even higher total next season.
“I think so, that-s my drive,” van Dijk replied on whether he could better his 2010/11 tally.
“I want to improve on all aspects of my game and in the end I think that will result in more goals. In saying that I think we can improve the way we play together up front, make it better and go for a championship.”
Finally, of the 16 goals van Dijk scored this season, was there a favourite that stood out for him?
“I think the free kick against Melbourne (in Week 22). That one jumps out, and my header against Perth Glory (in Week 8) was probably second.”
