Melbourne City whiz kid copying Daniel Arzani’s emergence

A shoulder injury forced him behind Daniel Arzani last campaign but Young Socceroos attacker Ramy Najjarine is showing an eerie resemblance to his old mate’s emergence last season.

Ramy Najjarine at Melbourne City training.

He was ahead of Daniel Arzani in Melbourne City’s pecking order before a shoulder injury placed Ramy Najjarine at the back of the queue.

But the exciting Young Socceroos attacker is making up for lost time and there is an eerie resemblance to his old mate’s emergence last season.

Arzani was introduced during a turbulent time for City, before virtually turning their season around with a stunning second half cameo against Wellington before carrying on with flashes of x-factor that pinned the opposition back.

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With his A-League debut out of the way last weekend, Najjarine looks set to play a bigger role, starting with Sunday’s clash with Newcastle Jets.

Najjarine admitted last season was demoralising, but Arzani and Nathaniel Atkinson’s minutes fuelled his recovery.

“I was in the same situation last year (pushing for the first team). It was literally a year ago, I had a shoulder reconstruction that set me back 5-6 months,’’ Najjarine said.

Ramy Najjarine after signing with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2016.

“It impacted me mentally. However I believed in myself, I knew what I was capable of. It was good to see the younger boys getting the chance last year, and that really gave me motivation to get back to where I am.

“Daniel and myself respect each others’ qualities. At the end of the day it was the gaffer’s call (to blood Arzani first).

“I’m very proud of Daniel and what he’s done. What he’s done is quite frightening to be honest – making that big an impact at such a young age. Hopefully he keeps going.

“I was confident if I got my chance I could make an impact as well. I’m just training hard and getting back to where I was and we’ll go from there.”

City was already 2-0 down when Najjarine came on last Saturday, but was thrilled to play after three stints on the bench – two FFA Cup and one in the corresponding game exactly a year ago.

Daniel Arzani in action for the Socceroos at the 2018 World Cup. Picture: Toby Zerna

“It was a hard night for us. But I was buzzing just to get out there on debut, I didn’t have any nerves. It was a proud moment,’’ he said.

“I just really want to make an impact in the team, start winning games and contend for the title. Everything else will follow on.”

Najjarine, who joins fellow Young Socceroos Atkinson and Connor Metcalfe in returning to the squad after the Asian qualifiers, said it was a good experience.

“It was a tough tournament. Playing in Asia, the qualities and circumstances,’’ he said.

“We didn’t get through but it was a great experience for us young boys competing against the best players in Asia.”