Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson believes new signing Alexander Briedl will bring something the team badly lacked last season: drive and energy in midfield. The Austrian midfielder joined from BW Linz as one of Robinson's first summer captures.
Briedl's attributes
Robinson highlighted Briedl's pressing stats and ability to win back possession. "He will bring something I thought we were missing in our midfield, you know, legs and energy that him and Brad (Lyons) will give," Robinson said. "Statistically, his stats were in winning the ball back and his pressing. He's a really, really quick player, left-footed, which gives us a balance in midfield as well, and adds more competition."
Foreign signings and value
Robinson, who has also added Moroccan striker Ayoub Moulou from FUS Rabat for a six-figure fee, dismissed claims he dislikes foreign players. "People said I didn't like foreign players. I think Alex was my first signing. I bring players in, no matter where they're from, if they're going to make the squad better," he said. He argued that foreign markets offer better value: "I'm looking at League Two players that clubs want a million pounds for and they want eight and nine thousand pounds a week. Crazy money for players that maybe haven't proved themselves at a really high level."
Fitting into Scottish football
Robinson emphasized the importance of players adapting to Scottish football's pace and physicality. "People underestimate Scottish football and the pace of it, the physicality. We believe that the players we bring in will be complemented by more of a base to the team and then they can show their ability," he said. He noted that players like Tony Yogane can provide individual brilliance surrounded by hard-working teammates.
Transfer window progress
With eight new arrivals, Robinson is still looking to move players in and out. "In one window, you're not going to change absolutely everything, but we're certainly trying. There's been a lot of work put in during the close season," he said, crediting Lutz Pfannenstiel and the recruitment team. The manager promised fans the team will have a clear identity next season, something he felt was lacking at times last year due to injuries from European commitments. "I wanted to get a base of a team and then I wanted to get exciting players around that base. I believe we're managing to do that," he concluded.
