Lindsay Agnew's impact on Sydney FC has been so positive that even coach Ante Juric did not see it coming, according to the Sky Blues boss.
Juric replenished his attacking arsenal with the 14-times capped Canada international forward in January.
It could prove to be a crucial addition of international pedigree for the reigning Champions, who saw Westfield Matildas duo Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo leave for FA Women's Super League sides Arsenal and Bristol City last month.
And the 24-year-old, who can also play full-back and most recently featured alongside Sydney stars Sofia Huerta and Veronica Latsko at National Women's Soccer League side Houston Dash, has already left the Sydney boss purring.
“Lindsay is unbelievable, she’s got the perfect personality,” Juric told the club website.
“As a footballer she’s important for us because she can play in a number of different positions whether it’s defensive or wide in attacking.
“She’s even better than I saw and thought at the time we signed her. She’ll be in and amongst the squad on Saturday.”
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PREVIEW: Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sydney's new recruit may have been training the house down but is set for a Sydney Derby baptism of fire against Western Sydney Wanderers at Cromer Park this Saturday.
The stakes are huge for Agnew and company. Third-placed Sydney trail second-placed Wanderers on goal difference and both sides require a win to keep faint hopes of reeling in Premiership frontrunners Melbourne City.
A draw on the Northern Beaches would leave the door open for Rado Vidosic's City to seal the Premiers Plate if they can emerge victorious in the Melbourne Derby, played 23 hours later against Melbourne Victory.
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But the Sky Blues are also on a mission to avenge their 5-0 crushing to the Wanderers in last December's derby, a contest in which Sydney were put to the sword by Western Sydney's imports from America – Lynn Williams and Kristen Hamilton.
Could Sydney's new Canadian help win back bragging rights, and secure a huge three points ahead of the last two rounds of the regular season?
“It’s an important game in our playoffs push, the last game against them wasn’t what the club wanted, and there’s bragging rights for the city on the line," Agnew told the club website.
Juric is not giving up on the title yet. But the Sydney boss knows his side is running out of time.
“From day one our girls were after the Premiership so we have to chase City. Some people say it’s a bit gone but that’s what we’re aiming for,” he said.
“To do that we need to beat the Wanderers, we need to beat Perth and then Victory in the last game. The first step is Wanderers so it’s a huge game.
Click here to buy tickets
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, 15 February 2020
Kick-off: 5pm AEDT
Venue: Cromer Park
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
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