Hoffenheim’s plan to turn Young Socceroo Botic into Viduka clone

Young Socceroos striker Noah Botic has revealed how Bundesliga club Hoffenheim are trying to mould him into a mini-Mark Viduka.

A standout for Australia at last year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Botic’s stunning move from Sydney NPL side Rockdale City Suns to Germany’s top tier, seven months ago, was a quantum leap.

But with four goals for the Joeys in Brazil, and three in seven for the German club's U-19s this season, he’s looked anything but a fish out of water.

Botic - who trialled at Manchester United and had interest from Everton - might have had many more goals and assists to crow about had a niggling quad injury not stymied his progress.

Back home in Sydney, having been given a leave pass by Hoffenheim during the coronavirus shutdown, the 18-year-old reflected on the plan to varnish Viduka-esque aspects of his game.

The Socceroos great has been in news this week after his no-holds-barred interview on ESPN, evoking memories of his shimmering talent.

“The coaches have been schooling me on using my body much more when it comes to dealing with balls coming in from goal kicks or long range passes,” Botic told The World Game.

“They’re getting me to back in and turn defenders more - using my physicality more just like Mark Viduka used to do.

“They want to hone that side of my game. 

“Viduka was just exceptional - he wasn’t the fastest but the way he used his size and touch to get the better of defenders was so effective.

“He was so smart and always one move ahead of the opposition.”

At 181cm, to Viduka’s 188cm, Botic - who counts Socceroos striker Tomi Juric as his cousin - may not have the intimidatory physical prowess which Viduka used to such devastating effect, but he’s doing all he can to add a new dimension to his game.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into it when the club gives us the all-clear to return to training,” Botic said.

“I’ve had a few re-occurring injuries and it’s limited me a bit. I’m still working to get the strength back (with national team staff) here in Sydney and should be good to go when I get back to Europe.

“I just want to prove myself and keep learning, tweaking all the small stuff to become a professional footballer.

“People in Germany don’t see Australia as a football country - and you have to gain their respect and prove yourself.

“You can’t afford to have a big ego and have to share the love with everyone.

“I believe in myself and the coach has confidence in me. 

“He knows when he puts me on, I’ll get the job done.”

Hoffenheim helped fashion the futures of Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Newcastle United’s $70 million man Joelinton, and is renowned as a football factory.

“That development side is one of the big reasons I joined them - I think that, and the style they play, is a good fit for me,” Botic said.

“I’m one of those strikers that tries to find the corners and get the ball out of my feet quickly, and fire off a shot before defenders have a chance to react.”