Riera proving an early A-League hit
Oct 22, 2017 - 8:47 AM He's played just three A-League games but Spaniard Oriol Riera has already proved more productive than Western Sydney's previous import strikers.Riera's classy header in Saturday's 2-2 away draw with champions and local rivals Sydney FC was his third goal in as many games.
While they have successfully recruited several other overseas players in different positions, Wanderers haven't had much luck on the rare occasion theyv'e signed a foreign striker.
Croatian Dino Kresinger scored just twice in 25 games in their first season in 2012-13.
Italian Federico Piovaccari tallied two goals in his 12 appearances in 2015-16.
Riera looks an upgrade on those players, though he recognised it wouldn't be realistic to maintain his impressive early strike rate.
"I'm sure in the league I will have games that I will not score, maybe two or three games, but that happens," Riera said.
"The only way that you can control this is play hard, be strong and keep going."
His goals, which included one penalty, have come, as he adjusts to a different style of game from Spain.
"It's more box to box (in Australia) and not much time to create or to have the possession," he said..
Riera showed he could also handle the physicality of the A-League after copping some fierce tackles.
"The derby is always physical, you have to be of a strong mentality," he said.
Riera said the atmosphere at Allianz Stadium, where close to 35,000 attended was similar to derbies he had been part of back home.
"I like the atmosphere, I like the pressure," he said.
Source: AAP
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