Verbeek’s attacking style complements the squad insists McGree

Riley McGree believes Gertjan Verbeek’s attacking style of play will get the best out of the playing squad.

McGree returned to the Club for an undisclosed fee earlier this month from Club Brugge, penning a three-year contract and admitted the players are adjusting well to the Dutchman’s new system.  

“It’s all been very positive, we’re still implementing his style of play,” McGree explained.

“And his style of play that he’s trying to play definitely suits I think the squad we have and myself as an individual.”

The attacking midfielder was lively throughout the first-half of the Club’s maiden pre-season match against local National Premier League side MetroStars.

McGree’s dynamism to evade challenges and creativity in possession was evident and intimated he will likely have the license to roam free in and around the box during attacking moves.

“He’s (Gertjan Verbeek) kind of hinted to me that he wants me getting into the box as well when the ball is in a crossing opportunity to get on the end of it and score myself,” he revealed.

“So I’m pretty happy that I have the role to not only hopefully set some up but to also score some myself.”

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Last season on loan at Melbourne City McGree scored eight goals in all competitions and the young midfielder has his sights on reaching double figures this year.

That target will certainly be facilitated by the Dutchman’s offensive philosophy and encouragement to venture forward.

“I usually set my standards pretty high and I’ve told myself I kind of want to get ten goals this season and assist a few as well,” he said.

“But definitely, personally I want to be scoring goals because goals win matches.”

The 20-year-old was confident the team will have had enough time to gel and understand the new style come Adelaide’s FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 tie with Melbourne Knights.

“I think we’re tracking very well as I said before we’re still in the early stages of the coach teaching us how he wants to play and implementing his style,” he said.

“So hopefully that should come in the next few weeks and by the time we’re ready to play Melbourne Knights, we’ll be ready and roaring to go.”

He further stressed the team cannot afford to underestimate the Knights when they do meet on 7 August.

 “I think you’ve always got to respect every opponent you come up against no matter what competition they’re in,” he insisted.

“So I think it’ll definitely be a challenging game for us but hopefully we’re up to the task.”

Adelaide United face Melbourne Knights in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 7 August at Knights Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports.