Myrtleford export Connor Caponecchia has become one of the region’s most promising soccer prospects during the 2017 season.
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The 18-year-old has made a huge impact in Murray United’s senior side this season and is regarded as one of the most talented players at the club.
Caponecchia has been involved in the youth pathway with Murray United since its formation, starting in the under 16s in 2015 before working his way up to senior level in 2017.
He admitted it was hard at the start of the year to find his way into the team with the depth in the squad, but once he was given the opportunity, he hasn’t looked back.
“I didn’t think I’d get as many starts as I would, I thought I’d be mostly coming off the bench and trying to make an impact,” Caponecchia said.
“From day one at Murray, I was always going to improve, so I think leaving Myrtleford was right decision for me to become a better player.
“Mentally, it’s helped me concentrate and focus on my football, whereas if I stayed at Myrtleford, I maybe wouldn’t have had that same mindset to become more professional.”
Having the chance to play alongside Archie Thompson at the front end of the pitch has also been a massive thrill.
“Getting to play in that attacking role with him has been awesome and I’ve learnt heaps from him,” he said.
“Couttsy (Murray coach James Coutts) has been one of the best coaches I’ve ever had, so playing with him and Archie and players that have done it all before, has improved me as a player.
Coutts admits it’s just the beginning for Caponecchia, but, like any young player at the club, but knows he still has plenty to learn.
“He’s got a long way to go, he knows that, but he’s really responded well over the last three or four months on and off the pitch,” Coutts said.
“I believe he has taken his game to the next level, however, he needs to keep working at his game and things he needs to do to progress.”
Coutts never doubted Caponecchia’s ability since starting training with the club as a 15-year-old.
“His decision making, which is the most important part of the game, as well as his technical ability to be able to make sure the decisions are completed is up there with the best of them,” Coutts said.
“Connor needs to understand that he needs to work harder to get into areas to receive the ball so he can express himself.
“He’s a player that’s on the cusp of really taking games by the scruff of the neck.
“He just needs to believe in the ability he’s got, because he’s got so much of it.”
Coutts added a big testament to Caponecchia is the fact the side changed its starting formation to factor in what they feel he could bring to the seniors.