Castelen has more to offer the A-League

Western Sydney Wanderers winger Romeo Castelen has had a big impact on this season’s A-League so far, but the 32-year-old believes he has even more to offer.

Marching down the wing . . . . Romeo Castelen Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

The former Dutch international has been in scintillating form for Western Sydney of late, with a particularly eye-catching display against Newcastle Jets on Christmas Eve.

Speaking exclusively to TWG, Castelen told us how he is loving his football and how he thinks he will soon be able to match previous overseas form.

You've played at high levels overseas, in Holland and Germany, so as well as you're playing now you've obviously played better.

“Yes, of course. I've played at a very high level and a high standard is required, but I'm happy with how things are going right now," Castelen said.

“We're doing well as a team, creating chances and proving dangerous every game, so it's a joy to be out there.”

Can you be forced to reach, or at least approach, the sort of form you produced overseas in this competition?

“I believe so. It's about yourself and how determined you are and it helps when you have a coach who pushes you to the limit and expects the highest standard."

The speedy and agile wide-man revealed why close control is such an important part of his game and how brimming with confidence is the key to taking on a defender.

Romeo Castelen capped-off his man of the match performance with the skinning of Georgievski and goal #WSW https://t.co/vRaaubQwtt — WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) December 14, 2015

Playing on the right wing, do you study the opposition defences and left-backs?

“The coaches do a good job of reviewing every team and we get everything about it, but I have confidence in myself as well. I know when I have a good day it's very hard to mark me and stop me.

“I know I have a certain quality that's not easy to mark, and that's why I say I have to feel good when I go out there."

Not a game goes by without you repeatedly challenging the opposition fullback, what's your secret?

“You know, that's football, when you're in a good period your opponents are watching you, so then you have to step up your level again and when I have the ball at my feet I'm very confident at the moment.”

“You have to be very confident every time you go ahead and make a move.

“Even if it's not coming off all the time you have to keep going again and that's why I love to play in attack.”

Do you sense an increasing uncertainty from your opponent or do you just go about your own business?

“I don't really pay attention too much, to be honest.

 “Whoever it is, I'll always challenge them, that’s my game. If I stop doing that, it's better to be on the sideline and watch the game.

“My game is to challenge the fullbacks and put pressure on them all the time and then you cause them to make errors. I enjoy it for how it makes our fans feel as well.”

Against Newcastle Jets on Christmas Eve you wound up with two defenders on you, yet you still forced a way through and came out the other side with the ball at your feet. Your close control in those situations is outstanding.

 “Yeah, I mean, that's a big part of football. I always say if you can keep the ball close to your feet it's always hard for the defender to take it from you.

“I train hard on that to keep my control very close to me, with dribbling and also to the point of view of first touch.”