Touching down in Newcastle just two weeks ago, Spaniard Mario Arqués is full of ambition and looking for another challenge overseas.
Another international player lured to Australia by Manager Arthur Papas and his philosophy of fast and aggressive football, Arqués has been impressed, and excited, by what he’s seen so far.
The new style of play the revamped Jets are implementing this season was a major drawcard in moving to Newcastle, and the 29-year-old midfielder says he’s been pleasantly surprised by his teammate’s technicality and quality, and the overall intensity during pre-season training.
“I’ve been very surprised to be honest,” Arqués said.
“In every single session, the intensity and pace is so high. This is the way for us to win something important this year.
“We train every day like it’s the last.
“Every training session I am giving my best and every day, I am getting much better.”
Born near Valencia, Spain, the crafty playmaker arrives in the Isuzu UTE A-League after spending last season in the Malaysian Premier League with Kelantan FC, however most of his career has been spent in his home country of Spain, where he also made his La Liga debut with Elche FC.
A product of the Villarreal youth system, Arqués says he wants to bring some of the Spanish football play style and tactics to the Jets.
“In Spain, I think football is more tactical and the teams are more organised but we want to bring that to this team,” he said.
“Football is the same everywhere, but the way you [in Australia] play is different.
“When the boss spoke to me and told me the way he wants to play, [I knew] he understands football, and for me it’s very exciting.”
Arqués has admitted that the Newcastle environment features many similarities to that of his hometown on the coast, but that’s not the only reason he’s been made to feel welcome at the Club.
With many new players joining this season, lots of his teammates coaching staff have been in the same boat as him and it’s created a welcoming culture of going above and beyond for one another.
It’s a feeling that has Arqués excited to do well for his team.
“Since the first day, one of the things that surprised me a lot was the way the team welcomed me,” he said.
“It’s amazing. We have a very good dressing room.
“We have to move this (feeling) to the pitch now, to understand each other, and this is not easy with many new players…[but] if we put that same intensity and feeling on the pitch, and the same demand of ourselves, it’s going to be a very enjoyable season.
“I am so excited. I can’t wait to put on my shirt and play with my teammates.”
