Western Sydney coach Alen Stajcic waxed lyrical about Nicolas Milanovic's unlimited potential after his fifth goal of the season helped lift the Wanderers to a 2-0 A-League Men win over Melbourne City at AAMI Park.
Driving into the City penalty area moments before halftime on Saturday, the 23-year-old drew contact from defender Callum Talbot and was rewarded with a penalty by referee Jonathan Borrero, which he duly converted.
The subject of overseas interest last off-season, it was the Olyroo's seventh goal involvement in six games, with his league-leading five goals supplemented by two assists.
Sealed when Marcus Antonsson made it two in the 81st minute, the win ensured the Wanderers rebounded quickly after a convincing defeat in last week's Sydney Derby and moved within striking distance of the top six.
"I think he's got so much more in him," Stajcic said on Milanovic.
"And today wasn't just one way."
"He's playing against probably the best left back in the competition (Socceroo Aziz Behich) ... he had a tough job on his hands defensively and did all that and was still a threat going forward.
"I think he's got unlimited potential. He's still a young player and still growing into the game and all that kind of stuff but I think his potential is unlimited."
City was dealt a blow before kickoff when Mat Leckie was ruled out with a hamstring complaint that could also threaten his availability for next week's game against Brisbane, joining fellow Socceroos Marco Tilio and Andrew Nabbout and striker Max Caputo on City's unavailable list.
Andreas Kuen forced a prone Lawrence Thomas into an early save at a goalmouth scramble and Nathaniel Atkinson and 17-year-old Medin Memeti both had chances but City struggled to consistently turn their forays forward into clear chances.
Coach Aurelio Vidmar said his side wouldn't allow his attacking absences to be used as an excuse but did acknowledge that his side lacked an "edge" at critical moments and that after three weeks off due to the international break and a bye, struggled for "flow or the rhythm" early.
He also questioned the decision to award Milanovic a spot kick.
"There was a clear deviation off Callum's right foot before they collided," said Vidmar.
"Maybe rules have changed but I would have thought he had first contact (with the ball).
