Balwyn star Robert Armellini says that new Fitzroy FC signing Rico Zulkarnain will enjoy the challenge of the Series Futsal Victoria premiership.
Announced yesterday, Zulkarnain has signed on as a full-time Series Futsal player and will compete with the Fitzroy club – the same team Zulkarnain played with during the Futsal Oz Live event in July.
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Armellini is regarded as one of the most talented Series Futsal players, leading his Balwyn club to the semi-finals in last weekend’s Series Futsal Australia Cup.
Balwyn was eventually knocked out by Claremont Cambio Cumbre – the team Zulkarnain played for during the tournament.
Armellini says that Zulkarnain’s strength, speed and skill will see him excel in the cut-throat Victorian league.
“I think with his ability to lift ball, his skill in the air from the throw ins, it will be spectacular,” Armellini told SeriesFutsal.com.
“He can score goals from anywhere. We saw him do that in Perth. He is one of the best players in the world at the moment.
“It will be nice to see him play here and see what he can do.”
While Armellini was full of praise for his ability, he says that he will instantly become a target for defenders.
“As a player, you try to not let him score goals, limit his pace,” he said.
“He is quick, fast feet, good skills and he can shoot. He is not easy to defend against and he will on everyone’s radar to try and stop.
“The level here is higher in Victoria, it will be interesting to see how he performs each week. All of the teams that play in Victoria are good teams, and on their day, any of them can win.
“But really, I think he will enjoy it and it will be nice to see him play. It will be good for the league and all of the clubs.”
Zulkarnain will make his debut at the Thomastown Futsal Oz Stadium this Sunday, with Fitzroy taking on arch-rivals Pascoe Vale FC. The game kicks off at 4:10pm. The first match of the afternoon will be at 3pm, featuring Balwyn and Ashburton.
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