Wanderers looking to unleash electrifyingly fast recruits

Western Sydney manager Marko Rudan says he needs to take a smart approach with Amor Layouni to help the newcomer adjust to Australia’s hot summer and overcome his recent jet lag.

Layouni signed a contract with Wanderers last week that runs until the end of the A-League Men’s season.

The Swedish-born Tunisian striker was with Norwegian club Valerenga Fotball before joining Wanderers and will make his A-League debut in Sunday’s clash with Adelaide at Coopers Stadium.

Layouni is still adjusting to Australian life after changing 0C conditions in Oslo for 30C days in Sydney.

A maximum temperature of 29ºC is forecast for Adelaide on Sunday, with the game kicking off at 14:30 local time.

“We have to be smart with him,” Rudan said.

“He’s only been here a week. It’s not ideal, and the last thing you want to do is throw someone in at the deep end when they’re not ready.

“We have been discussing his physicality on a daily basis and how he is feeling in terms of acclimatization.

“He’s another who, like Morgan (Schneiderlin), went from an extreme winter to a pretty hot summer.

“The time zone, he hasn’t come to terms with the jetlag yet.

“He will be in the squad. We still have to … decide whether he will start or come off the bench.”

Rudan is excited to see what Layouni will do on the pitch.

“He has an electric pace and real quality in tight areas,” said Rudan.

“He’s a great dribbler and he’s very good at one-on-ones.

“He also has a great shot, he has goals and assists.”

Wanderers will be without Congolese international Yeni Ngbakoto after he was suspended for two games for a slap in the face in last week’s 1-0 defeat by Sydney FC.

Sunday’s game is crucial for both Adelaide and Western Sydney as the race for top 2 and top 4 spots heats up.

Wanderers went into the round in fourth place with 24 points, only ahead of them were Adelaide (26), Central Coast (26) and leaders Melbourne City (34).

“The good thing is that we have points on the board and are only two points behind second place,” said Rudan.