Melbourne Heart FC’s young central defender David Vrankovic returned to pre-season training this week after his selection in the Young Socceroos squad for the U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
Melbourne Heart FC’s young central defender David Vrankovic returned to pre-season training this week after his selection in the Young Socceroos squad for the U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
While Vrankovic was unlucky not to receive game time during the tournament, in which the Australians were knocked out in the group stage, the 19-year-old said the experience had helped him grow as a footballer.
Vrankovic said his greatest lesson was to focus in times when there personal or team setbacks.
After suffering an injury prior to the tournament, Vrankovic put his mind to the task and recovered.
While he was not afforded any game time with the Young Socceroos, the impact of Australia’s determination in the face of defeat provided a key motivational aspect.
“If things don’t go well – [for example] in the game against El Salvador – we have to put that behind us,” Vrankovic said.
“We did do that against Turkey; we came out there and we were looking to win the match, which was good.
“I guess we have to take out of it that you have to fight to the end.”
Vrankovic plans to bring that fight to pre-season as he prepares for a strong campaign with the Red and White.
Click play on the video below as David reflects on his time with the U-20 squad and looks towards a strong pre-season with Melbourne Heart.
“Believe it or not I actually missed the boys because we’re a family here; we’re really close,” Vrankovic said.
“The banter has already started which is good – now there is a lot of running, a lot of getting fit and getting prepared for the season and I’m looking forward to it.”
With the recent acquisition of Dutch defender Rob Wielaert, Vrankovic expects there to be healthy competition in the back line for a spot in Head Coach John Aloisi’s central defensive pairing.
“My aim is to play in almost every single game and hopefully, again this year, I’ll be part of the national team again, looking forward to the 2016 Olympics.
“But my main aim for Melbourne Heart is to play, week in, week out and play good football.
“Last season I had Simon [Colosimo] in front of me, and Patrick [Gerhardt] now Rob [Wielaert] is here… but it’s the same, I will be working hard in training to get the first 11 position.”
