Adelaide United FC’s squad will continue to have a strong local flavour moving forward with home grown midfielder Fabian Barbiero signing a new two year deal with the club.
Barbiero-s commitment for a further two seasons locks in another spot on United-s playing roster for next season. Head Coach Rini Coolen has been pleased with what he has seen from Barbiero this season, particularly in how the 26 year old has added versatility to his game.
“Fabian is normally a midfield player but he can also play as a full back, so he can play in several positions,” Coolen said.
“He-s also from Adelaide, that-s not the most important thing, but it-s definitely a benefit to have players from here. He-s a good person, he-s a real professional, and he has played once in the national team as well.”
Progressing through Adelaide-s local leagues on his way to making his debut appearance for Adelaide United in 2007, Barbiero has become an integral part of the Reds- squad.
Barbiero missed the first 9 games of this season with an ankle injury, but with 55 Hyundai A-League appearances and five goals to his name, Coolen knows the hard working midfielder has plenty of good football in front of him.
“He-s fit now and I-ve kept him in my squad to develop him and get him to the highest level possible,” Coolen said.
“He can fight for a position as a midfielder or a full back so I-m real happy to be able to work with him and find out if we can bring him to an even higher level.”
Barbiero admitted it is a relief to have his short term future settled and looks forward to justifying the club-s faith in him.
“It-s always tricky with contract negotiations during the season but I-m glad to put them to bed and now really focus on doing well for the rest of the season and hopefully in the finals,” Barbiero said.
“I definitely want to be a part of Adelaide United and the club moving forward. Obviously with the new owners coming in and the new coach, to be part of a club that wants to be successful going forward, I-m very happy to have signed for another two years.”
“I-ve had a bad run in the past couple of seasons, but I know myself that when I-m fully fit I can be an asset to the team and obviously Rini has showed that he wants me to be a part of this squad so that-s a big honour.”
In a further coup for the club, Adelaide United has won the race to secure talented young goalkeeper Paul Izzo. Another Adelaide born product, the talented 15 year old has signed a three year deal with the Reds which will commence on January 1, 2012.
Based in Canberra with the AIS, Izzo is currently the first choice keeper for the Qantas Joeys (Australian U-17s) and is widely regarded as the best young goalkeeping prospect in the country.
