Heart has landed the signature of one of Australia’s hottest properties at youth level; 17-year-old Ben Garuccio
Melbourne Heart FC has announced promising 17-year-old winger Ben Garuccio as its latest signing, as coach John Aloisi looks to strengthen his squad for the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League campaign.
The signing further underlines Heart-s commitment to nurturing young Australian talent, with Garuccio-s signature coming in the wake of the departure of Curtis Good and Eli Babalj to Newcastle United and Red Star Belgrade, respectively.
Garuccio, one of Australia-s hottest properties at youth level, has played for the Young Socceroos and has been involved in the Australian Institute of Sport program for the past two years.
Garuccio joins a host of off-season signings at Heart, including fellow Young Socceroos teammate, David Vrankovic, as well as Josip Tadic, Golgol Mebrahtu, Dylan Macallister, Steven Gray, Andrew Redmayne, Richard Garcia and Patrick Gerhardt.
A quick and dynamic left footer, who can feature on the right or left flank, Garuccio will fit into John Aloisi-s attacking set-up this year, after the club courted the young winger for the past 12 months.
“I first spoke to Ben about 12 months ago and we think he is the best 17-year-old going around,” Aloisi said.
“He-s a quick winger who is very good one-on-one.
“The fact that he is a left-footer is a great strength and he-s been doing really well with the under-20 national team in the tournaments that he has featured in recently.
“This signing shows that the Club is continuing to invest in youth as a priority and we focussed on having Australia-s most talented players develop at Melbourne Heart FC.
“Even at 17, Ben is going to be a valuable member to our squad and feel he has a big future.”
Garuccio will wear the number 19 and is Heart-s 20th squad member for the 2012-13 season.
Details
Ben GARUCCIO
Born: Adelaide, South Australia
DOB: 15/06/1995 (Age 17)
Clubs/Institutes: Australian Institute of Sport, South Australian Sports Institute
Position: Left winger (Left footed)
Honours: Young Socceroos
