A-League: Winger Andrew Nabbout is the unlikely hero fuelling Newcastle Jets’ rise
DIMI Petratos and Pato Rodriguez get star billing at Newcastle but winger Andrew Nabbout is a prime reason why the Jets have had such a magnificent season and are so good to watch.
Newcastle Jets
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle Jets. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Socceroos World Cup send-off game in doubt
- Is Sydney FC’s awesome foursome the A-League’s finest attack?
STATISTICS can be used to tell almost any story in football, but sometimes they are only half the narrative.
By any stretch this has been a productive season for Andrew Nabbout; joint third-top scorer in the A-League, third for assists, and second for shots on goal.
But the context is even more impressive, for those figures come from a winger who has had to take over the striking mantle from Roy O’Donovan during the Irishman’s absence through injury.
Dimi Petratos and latterly Pato Rodriguez get the star billing, deservedly, but Nabbout is a prime reason why the Jets have had such a magnificent season and are so good to watch.
With O’Donovan likely to reappear again in Saturday’s clash with Melbourne Victory Nabbout’s role will change again, but without complaint.
He’s not the only one liberated by coach Ernie Merrick in a remarkable transformation of the club’s fortunes.
“The biggest difference for all of us is that every game we believe we’re going to win, whereas last year it felt like we were trying not to lose,” Nabbout said.
“We’re trying to get at teams. When you’re going for it from the first minute, it’s a really enjoyable way to play. Ernie has really stamped that mentality on the team and personally I feel it has helped me go to another level.
“At first I would have said I preferred a wide role because you see more of the ball. But I’ve got used to the No.9 role and it does put you in the danger points with more chances to score.
“Now that Roy’s back, I’ll be ready to assist, and my job will go back to giving him the service he needs.”
Nabbout’s form is why Lebanon keep coming back about a call-up for their national team, but also his consistency. Last year his form fell way, just as it did previously at Melbourne Victory, but he seems to have worked out what the solution is.
“I’ve always believed in myself but I also believe that hard work gets you where you want to be, or damn near close,” he said. “At Victory maybe I got a touch complacent, but you learn from that.
“Newcastle have signed some top attacking talent, and just getting in the side when everyone is fit will be motivation in itself. I love that competition; being around such quality players has to improve me.”