Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Ten years after a 16-year-old Sebastian Pasquali was catapulted into the spotlight at Melbourne Victory, the former boy wonder is back on the national stage.
Pasquali was one of Australia’s top junior prospects, scoring a penalty in a friendly against Juventus, then earning a move to Dutch powerhouses Ajax as a teenager.
The midfielder returned to Australia with Western United in 2019 but was plagued by injury, before the team folded last year and Pasquali was left clubless.
South Melbourne came calling, and on Saturday Pasquali will play in a sold-out Australia Cup final against Victory at AAMI Park.
“I don’t think you can ever prepare at the age of 16 to venture over to Europe to one of the most prestigious clubs in the world who are renowned for producing exceptional young players,” Pasquali told AAP.
“From that moment going overseas to 10 years later, where I am now, it’s a roller-coaster.
“There’s ups, there’s downs, there’s injuries, there’s setbacks, there’s seasons missed, there’s rehab phases, there’s work behind the scenes that no one sees, there’s moments where you contemplate if you can get back to the level that you’re at.
“That really just builds character, and it’s really shaped and formed me into the person that I am.”
Pasquali, who studies exercise and sports science, has embraced the semi-professional life.
“I’ve learned that you have to really love the game at this level,” he said.
“Some of my teammates, some of their effort and commitment is just unbelievable.
“They’re working full-time jobs. They’re getting up at crazy hours of the morning to come and train not just two or three times, but sometimes four or five times.
“Be on the road, give up time from family to travel, give up time from work to come and commit to the team and commit to achieving success.”
Pasquali has notched 60 games this season, playing in the NPL, Australia Cup, OFC Pro League and Australian Championship.
And he has rediscovered his love for the game.
“All you want to do as a footballer is play,” Pasquali said.
“You just want to play consistently at the highest level possible.
“You’ve just got to appreciate the opportunities that you get throughout your career, and I’ve certainly done that being here this year.”
It feels appropriate that Pasquali’s moment in the sun is against Victory.
“To come back now and to play against them, sell out AAMI Park with a massive following from South Melbourne supporters who have been amazing all year, it’s just a really big moment,” he said.
Pasquali believes South deserve a long-craved A-League licence and wants to get back to his top level, too.
“Occasions like this put us all on a platform,” he said.
“We’re on the stage now, and if we can perform to the best of our abilities, then football can change really fast.
“You’ve just got to strap in sometimes and give it all you have.”
