MVFC Blog

He’s just 18, but Kaz Patafta’s credentials read like someone at least… 1 1/2 years older.

In 2004, he received a scholarship to study with the Australian Institute of Sport; in 2005, he led the Joeys during the World Championships for under-17s; in 2006, he joined Benfica’s B team, trained with the Socceroos before the World Cup, and eventually played his first game for Benfica’s 1st team in August; and now, he’s joined the Melbourne Victory on a 1-year loan.

He’s a left-footed midfielder with an attacking mindset, the kind of player we can expect to push play forward. Steve O’Connor of the AIS says:

“…a good dribbler, he sees things, and his first touch is outstanding.”

That said, it’s hard to say whether we he’ll be a regular in Melbourne’s starting lineup. The Victory’s midfield is undoubtedly its strongest point and it’s hard to see solid players like Brebner and Muscat losing their place in the central spots. On the wings, Merrick has a bevy of options to choose from, meaning that Kaz is up against players like Caceres, Broxham and Berger. And even though his move to Melbourne was accompanied by a lot of excitement, that means nothing when it comes to selection time.

Form is going to be paramount for midfielders trying to edge their way into the starting 11, but Patafta seems to be well-aware of this:

“‘I just want the opportunity to play if I deserve to,’ said Canberra-born Patafta. ‘I’ll be working hard to get as much game time as possible.’”

From The Age.

More about Kaz Patafta:

• Patafta set to fight for Victory FC spot, July 2, 2007, The Age
• Victory lucky with Kaz, June 20, 2007, The Daily Telegraph
• Kaz on Wikipedia
• Related posts from MVFCBlog:
  • How Merrick met Patafta, and his girlfriend
  • More rumours. Will Kaz Patafta be next?

Not much in the way of YouTube action for Kaz Patafta, but there was this feature from the World Game on him, dating back to sometime last year.