Barry Robson reckons Duk is starting to shine at Aberdeen - and feels the firing striker has benefited from a change in the Pittodrie style.
Portuguese striker Duk hit a double against Hearts at the weekend to take his season tally to 15 to help close the gap to just four points on Robbie Neilson's team and light a fire under their Euro push. They've won three games on the spin for the first time in 15 months as they continue their revival under Robson and former Benfica striker Duk has been a central figure to that.
A change in style has also been key and Robson said: “The way we’re playing suits Duk, it suits all the players in the middle of the pitch. We played some real good football. It was exciting. That’s what ultimately I want to see – good football and winning football matches. Duk brought a lot of that because he’s a humble boy, he wants to work for his team, he wants to run and he looks dangerous.
“The way we want to play really suits him. We look dangerous. I think our possession stats have come down but our chances have flown through the roof. To get fans excited is enjoyable.
"It’s not easy to coach because you need to punch the ball through lines, play off the back of teams. It’s difficult but when you get it right it’s quick, aggressive, fast and exciting.”
Aberdeen are scoring goals but it is arguably down the other end where Robson has made the biggest impact. The defensive side proved to be Jim Goodwin’s Achilles heel, only for Robson to immediately address it.
On-loan Watford defender Mattie Pollock was already heading north when Goodwin was sacked, while ex-Swindon defender Angus MacDonald also came in to shore up a backline that had come under fire. Pollock is the junior in the partnership but has been a big player for the Dons doing the simple things well, while he also pitched in with a goal and an assist on Saturday.
Robson added: “He just wants to win. That enthusiasm rips through your team, the club and comes through your fans. He just loves defending. He just loves going to attack things. He’s a bit of a throwback. It’s nice to see when you have people wanting to step out with the ball and play a nice pass, these people really want to defend. That’s what the best defenders do.”
Jay Gorter was another who came in on loan from Ajax. The keeper was brought in to fill in for the injured Kelle Roos. Roos made his first appearance since the League Cup semi-final defeat by Rangers in January and kept a clean sheet against Hearts.
The stand-in boss said: “He did well. We lost Jay to illness. We were lucky on that side that Kelle had just come back. It worked out well for us and was a bit of luck we needed. He’s a brilliant boy, he has enthusiasm and a great presence about him. He was desperate to come back and play and came in with a terrific performance.“
Winger Jonny Hayes went off with a head knock against Hearts but has passed the concussion protocols and is on the road to recovery. Robson added: “Jonny’s fine. He took a wee knock and had a couple of symptoms after that.”
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