Louis D’Arrigo played his 50th Isuzu UTE A-League match for Adelaide United on Saturday night against Perth Glory.
In doing so, the 20-year-old became the youngest player in Reds’ history to accomplish that feat, and impressively started in 44 of those matches.
D’Arrigo made his senior debut in March 2019 as a late substitute against Sydney FC, ironically as a right wing-back.
But it was not until the 2019/20 season where the then 18-year-old experienced a breakout campaign in defensive midfield following the departure of Isaías to Qatar.
“It’s pretty exciting to get this achievement,” D’Arrigo said upon reflecting on the milestone.
“I didn’t think it would happen this quickly.
“I grew up supporting the Club and coming to watch the games, so to now play 50 A-League games for the Club is really good for myself and I’m really happy to achieve this.
“If you look at the best young players in the world like Pedri, he’s playing like 70 games in a season.
“I’m playing 50 in about three years. So in Australia we need to have more games here.”
Since Veart has been at the helm, he has often utilised D’Arrigo in a box-to-box role, now playing alongside either Isaías or Juande last season in central midfield.
He revealed his new position has provided the licence to venture further forward and make those late runs into the box.
D’Arrigo admitted he would like to score more goals and hopes the extra freedom will yield just that.
Indeed, a perfect example of this was his diving header against Floreat Athena in the FFA Cup 2021 Round of 32, after drifting into the area unmarked.
“The two (senior) coaches that I’ve had have given me a lot of confidence when I play,” he said.
“With the first coach I had I played a bit more defensive and that’s something I was more comfortable doing.
“Now with Carl he’s playing me a bit more attacking and I’m learning my craft every game and I’m loving it a lot.”
The prodigious talent added that both veteran Spaniards in Isaías and Juande have also been instrumental in helping him improve his game.
“They been very good for me,” he explained.
“They’ve given me a lot of advice at training and even after games and even watching Stef (Stefan Mauk) play as well because he scores a lot of goals.
“So I want to be like him and score a lot of goals this season as well, but everyone has helped me out and I’m really grateful for that.”
D’Arrigo believed Adelaide dropped two points against the Glory last weekend, as his attention switches to a tough clash with title favourites Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium this Saturday night.
“We’re expecting a big game,” he said.
“We’ve had some really good match ups against them in the last couple of years.
“Hopefully we can get a good crowd to come watch us play.”
Match details:
Saturday, 27 November vs Melbourne City
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 – Round 2
Kick-off 7.15pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Stream: Paramount+
