The All Whites midfielder last earned a nomination in February 2011, when he was still with his first professional side the Wellington Phoenix, and says it is nice to be rewarded for the effort he puts in on the field.
“It’s a team game primarily and I only do what I need to do for the team to get the points, but it’s always nice to be recognised,” Rojas says.
The modest 21-year-old says this season has so far been one of his best, and most consistent, since turning professional and he is quick to credit the role of his Melbourne Victory team mates in his success.
“If we don’t play it up from the back, then we don’t get the service up front. So from the defenders to midfielders – everyone has been doing their part and it just makes my job so much easier,” he says.
And while he’s already drawing comparisons to one of the world’s greatest players, Rojas says he is still far from the finished product.
“There’s a lot of improvement to be made – there’s always room for a lot of improvement. I’m nowhere near the finished product and as long as I keep focus, keep practising and keep wanting to improve then I’m sure I’ll get better.”
That is a sentiment shared by his Victory coach Ange Postecoglou.
“Marco is continually improving and developing his game. He’s working hard at training and that’s transferring to the field,” Postecoglou says.
“What’s keeping Marco’s head screwed on right is he’s not putting any limits on himself, he wants to keep improving.”
With a constant buzz surrounding his future with the club and his prospects appearing to lie further afield, Rojas is being careful not to let himself get distracted.
“Right now I want to focus on helping our team, hopefully narrowing the gap between us and Central Coast Mariners and getting to push towards the top,” Rojas says.
“Of course the prospect of eventually playing overseas is exciting because it’s something I always dreamed of doing but you’ve got to focus on what you’re doing now.
“If you get too hyped up about what’s happening around you then it can affect your football and you’ve got to make sure it doesn’t do that.”
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

Share