Mulvey delighted with new signing Davies

Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey says new signing Julius Davies could be an ‘X-factor’ in attack for his side.

Davies was presented to the media on Wednesday after signing from the Melbourne Victory, a day after the announcement that veteran defender Jade North would also be joining the Roar.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder played his youth football in Western Australia before a spell in Germany, where he spent time with the junior teams of Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim.

“He’s a young player that I have admired from afar,” Mulvey said.

“In his early days in Western Australia I saw him as a young kid.

“I was aware that he went to Bayern Munich, which is a massive step for any young player, and a great education.

“And then obviously he came back to Melbourne Victory, and fortunately we’ve been able to secure his services, and I’m very pleased that he’s agreed to join us.”

The Brisbane coach explained the versatile Davies would likely be used off the bench initially, to provide an attacking spark.

“One of the things that’s happened to Brisbane Roar in the past two years is that we’ve played against packed defences,” Mulvey said.

“So what you need is players with the ability to open up the defences.

“Julius has a bit of ‘X-factor’ about him, he’s got great individual talent, he’s fast, skilful, he’s aware of what’s going on on the field – and that kind of player, if you can bring him on in the last 20 minutes, for example if he came off the bench, he’s got the ability to break down defences.

“That’s something that we may have lacked in recent times, or certainly this year we’ve found it very difficult to break defences down, so once he gets that chance, he’ll become that kind of player that we could possibly use.”

Due to transfer regulations, Davies will not be available for the Roar’s match against Newcastle Jets this Saturday, but is expected to be available for selection for the Round 17 clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Davies said his move away from the Victory was motivated by a lack of first team football.

“I thought I was going to play more this season, but obviously that wasn’t the case, so this is just the perfect opportunity for me to establish myself,” he said.

Asked what he would bring to the side, Davies said he hoped his flair in the attacking third would make him a valuable squad member, no matter which role he is asked to fill.

“A lot of speed I guess, and hopefully goals, because that’s what football is about, scoring goals. And I hope I can just make the difference, because I’m sort of that type of player,” Davies said.

“Wherever the coach wants to play me, even as a goalkeeper, I’ll play,” he joked.

“But hopefully I’ll get the chance to play, that’s the important thing, and I’ve got to work hard to earn that chance.”