After pulling out of the Red Bulls’ “practice” against their youth academy last week with a minor injury, trialist Veljko Paunovic agreed to stick around for another week and try to impress the coaching staff and front office in full-sided action. If Monday was any indicator, the Serbian striker might have a leg up.
He was back on the field, practicing full-go and scoring several nice goals. Coach Juan Carlos Osorio had regretted not being able to see Paunovic play 11 v 11 last week, but he came away suitably impressed with the 31-year-old, as captain Juan Pablo Angel already was.
“He’s a good player,” Angel said. “He has experience. He’s a good quality player. You can tell he knows what to do. Overall, he’s quality and I think quality is a hard commodity to find,” Angel said. “I don’t know what the club is looking for, but I think he’s a good player. He has shown in practice and right now I think any quality player is going to be welcome in here.”
When you’re last in MLS in goals (15) and off to one of the worst starts in league history, quality is at a premium. And Paunovic, who has carved out a long career for himself in Spain, provides a little bit of that. Longtime la Liga rival Albert Celades praised his quality, and Osorio concurred.
(And by the way, I’ve officially joined 2009. I’m finally on Twitter.)
“He looked good. He looked very comfortable on the ball, he scored a couple of goals. He looks good,” said Osorio, who added that he actually has enough healthy bodies in practice to be able to play significant scrimmages and get a better read on Paunovic.
Osorio had hoped to gauge the Serb last week, but Paunovic pulled himself out of the practice against the academy players. I’m told he wasn’t seriously hurt at all, but was just sore from lifting shortly beforehand, and since he isn’t under contract _ and is mulling other offers _ didn’t want to risk playing at less than 100 percent
“I had some issues. But it’s ok. I’m ok,” Paunovic said. “I’m not used to do these kind of exercises right before the game. If I’m not fit 100 percent I don’t want to do it. I just want them to see me (fit). I’m here on trial; this is not the same as to work with the team. Once I’m with the team I can do all the things with them, I have to prepare myself (as they do).”
The Red Bulls attack can use somebody who can finish and who’s comfortable on the ball, and Paunovic looks to be able to do both. He won’t win many footraces, and he’s not a stellar athlete, but he does provide some of what they need. Or at least could, if they sign him.
“I’m just waiting for them to decide; but I feel very good and very satisfied,” Paunovic said. “I think we’re going to know this week what’s going to happen, because I have other offers from Europe, as I had before. But I really have very good expectations for playing in MLS. I met people from the league and I think there are good possibilities for the future.”
Do you want them to sign Paunovic? Stand pat? Can he help them make a run in CONCACAF Champions League? Or is his tank empty? Share your thoughts….
