Jamie Maclaren scores brace as beat Melbourne City beat Western Sydney to kick clear at top of A-League

After watching another goalscoring masterclass, Melbourne City coach Erick Mombaerts believes his star striker, Jamie Maclaren, has what it takes to be a success ‘in a level higher than A-League.’

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 22: Jamie Maclaren of Melbourne City FC celebrates with team mates after scoring the final goal during the round 7 A-League match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City at Bankwest Stadium on November 22, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

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Jamie Maclaren’s remarkable goalscoring run is proof he can play at a level higher than the A-League, according to coach Erick Mombaerts.

Maclaren continued his hot streak with a brace, including the injury-time game-winner, in Friday’s 3-2 comeback win over Western Sydney.

The Socceroos star has now scored eight goals in four league games since returning to Australia following his 18-month stint in Germany and Scotland.

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Jamie Maclaren just can’t stop scoring goals.

Mombaerts was reluctant to discuss Maclaren’s prospects, but conceded the 26-year-old still has the ability to play overseas.

“He is at a very good level. I can’t answer this question. He is also an international player,” Mombaerts said.

“Maybe, yes, he can play in a level higher than A-League. Yes, I think so.”

Mombaerts was quick to praise Maclaren’s defensive contributions against the Wanderers, with their high-press system eventually paying off.

City scored three times in the final 30 minutes to steal all three points.

“He don’t need to have too many chances to score,” Mombaerts said of Maclaren.

“But also we have to see the fantastic work he has done in high press because in the first half, we press a lot and he did also a very good job defensively.

“That’s why also we have change in the second half, to have more crosses. We need also in the future to cross more to help Macca to score more.”

While the victory ensures City remain on top of the ladder, Mombaerts admitted being concerned about a defence that has conceded a league-high 11 goals.

“Yes, we have to score three every game. I’m sure if we are more accurate defensively, it will be easy for us,” he said.

Maclaren attracts plenty of Wanderres attention.

“We have focused a lot on our offensive style of play. Maybe it’s easier for us to work more on defensive now.

“But our mentality is fantastic because we have conceded some goals but know also that we can score more. That is also good.”

Originally published as Jamie Maclaren scores brace as beat Melbourne City beat Western Sydney to kick clear at top of A-League