After arriving to Australia just over two months ago, Mario Arques returned from a niggling injury to make his debut in Jets colours after featuring as substitute against Macarthur.
The Spaniard has had seldom game action since his arrival but is adamant that following his cameo on Sunday, he is ready for more.
He came on in the heart of midfield and looked dangerous with his passing, and although he said he was pleased to finally make his debut, the overall performance from the team, and the result, means there’s still plenty of improvements needed.
“In one sense, I’m very happy,” Arques said. “I’d been waiting for that moment since I arrived.
“At the end though, it was bittersweet because we wanted to come away with the three points.”
Competition is wide open between Arques and his fellow midfielders Jordan O’Doherty, Kosta Grozos and Mo Al-Taay.
While each player brings his own great characteristics and qualities, Arques believes his composure can help anchor the team.
“I can start,” he said. “Every day I’m trying to put out the best version of myself for the coach.
“I think I can help the team with building the play and give that balance to the team.
“I usually play as six [defensive midfielder], but I can play as an eight [central midfielder] too. But in our team, you always have to cover other positions.
“Wherever the coach needs me, I’ll be ready.”
Arques has been one of the numerous players in the squad that have had to undergo two weeks of quarantine and all have experienced their hardships and challenges.
For the 29-year-old, he endured issues in his calves after returning to the field. Regardless, he’s still been training with the team, and has been fully a part of the high-intensity sessions the rest of the team have for around two weeks.
“The two weeks of quarantine were very difficult for me,” he said.
“I had pains in my legs, mostly in the calves. Because of the high intensity training, I tried to train but it was difficult.
“[Now] I’m pulling up really, really good. I’m feeling good…I’m ready to go.”
This weekend Arques and the Jets will be facing off with the Western Sydney Wanderers at McDonald Jones Stadium as a special Boxing Day clash.
