Western United has strengthened its A-League squad for the upcoming 2021/22 season with a number of new signings, but a host of young players coming through the club’s academy are also poised to make their mark.
Luke Duzel
Luke Duzel was a teammate of Noah Botic’s at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2019 and has continued his development since, becoming a first-team footballer with Western United last season.
Duzel started eight games in the A-League and made 13 appearances overall, impressing with his calm and precise way of playing in the midfield.
A versatile player in the middle of the pitch, Duzel is an excellent distributor with composure on the ball, intelligence off it and an eye for a creative pass to carve out chances to score.
In June, Duzel signed a two-year extension with the club and will now strive to increase his minutes in the A-League set-up.
Follow Luke on Instagram here.
Nicolas Milanovic
Another of the many young talents that broke into the A-League XI last season, Nicolas Milanovic is one of the most exciting products of the Western United youth program.
The 19-year-old made his A-League debut on the opening day of the 2020/21 season, the first of 10 appearances he would make across the campaign.
After making that breakthrough last season, Milanovic has been eager to get back to work in pre-season and is looking for more opportunities under John Aloisi this season.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there this season and representing such a great and forward-thinking club,” he said.
“I think as a player I’m focusing on bettering myself on the attack and defensively.
“This year for me is another year of development in my eyes, to become a strong build and ready myself for when the boss gives me my opportunities.”
While featuring in the A-League team, Milanovic was also dominant in NPL 3, scoring six goals in 10 games in that competition.
A tall, athletic striker with a devastating finish, Milanovic adds to an incredibly exciting, young crop of attacking talent currently at the club.
Follow Nic on Instagram here.
