Since signing and arriving to Newcastle, young midfielder Mo Al-Taay has been training the house down, competing to be a name featured on the Round One starting team list.
The 21-year-old, former from Western Sydney Wanderers, brings not only a tough tackling presence into the midfield, but also a great ability to keep the ball due to his strength.
Having graduated from the Wanderers Youth team as their Player of the Year in 2020, Al-Taay is still looking to make his Isuzu UTE A-League debut, but he’s confident his top work ethic will contribute to making that happen this season despite some of the midfielders that have also joined the Club this season.
One of those players is experienced Spanish central-man, Mario Arqués who was recently announced as a Newcastle Jet, but while some youngsters could feel somewhat detracted with the arrival of player of Arqués’ quality in the same position, Al-Taay sees only positives.
“He’s very experienced and comes in with a lot of knowledge of the game,” Al-Taay said.
“The Spanish are known for their technical abilities, and their knowledge, so it’ll be good to learn off him, watch how he moves and finds spaces to get the ball and that creative side of his game.
“I need to fight for my spot. I’ll do my best, and learn from him.”
Upon signing with the Club back in early July, Al-Taay noted that the philosophy new Manager, Arthur Papas was looking to implement perfectly suited his style of play and already he believes his game reaping the benefits.
“The boss gets the most out of us at training,” he said. “The intensity is on a different level.
“It’s been very intense.
“I like to get stuck in and try and read the play. My defensive side is my strongest.
“I came here to fight for a spot. I’m very hungry. Every day I just want to get better and better and when my chance comes, I just have to take it.”
The youngster is just one of the many fresh faces that have arrived to the Jets in preparation for the 2021/22 Season and the group are starting to become more and more familiar with one another.
MORE: The Ins & Outs ahead of the 2021/22 season
Whilst relationships are being built on the field, the atmosphere off the field has been incredibly uplifting for the group as well.
“It’s been a very long pre-season, but all the boys have bonded,” he said.
“Everyone is mates with each other, and when we get on the field, everyone is focused. It’s a positive environment.
“Everyone is very welcoming. It’s been very easy to just walk through the door and instantly feel like you are at home.”
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