New Melbourne Victory signing Jacob Butterfield has given the club’s fans an insight into what they can expect from him during the 2020/21 A-League season.
Butterfield was announced as a Victory player on Monday, making the move to Australia after playing as a professional in England for 13 years.
The 30-year-old most recently played for Championship side Luton Town, but has also featured for Derby County, Middlesborough and Huddersfield Town.
“I’m a midfield player who likes to be on the ball. I consider myself a ball player,” Butterfield said.
“One of my strengths is getting on the ball as much as possible and dominating possession, dictating the way that we play with the ball.
“I pride myself on my quality, I can play off both feet. Without the ball, I try to give us a good structure as a team and be a presence in midfield and organise the team.
“As a senior player I’ve got lots of experience so I’ll bring that to the table. I think it will be important for me to help the young players and push them and make sure they’re improving every day. Hopefully the fans will enjoy watching me play.”
Melbourne felt like the perfect fit for @JLButterfield 💙 #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/O0t3gCd8P0
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 26, 2020
Butterfield is familiar with the expectation that comes with playing for Victory and is prepared to roll up the sleeves and help push the club back up the table.
“I know Victory is a well supported club, a very big club with lots of passionate fans.
“There is a winning history and a winning culture at the club that everybody wants. That’s obviously the goal every season for Victory is to win things and to be at the top of the A-League and winning trophies.
“That’s the culture that has been created at the club, that’s the standards that have been set over the years and they’re the standards that we need to get back to starting this year.”
Butterfield is expected to arrive in Australia in the coming weeks, with time to train with his new teammates before heading to Qatar for the resumption of the AFC Champions League in November.
“The sooner the better I can come out and join the team and start training.
“I’m really looking forward to the ACL it’ll be a great experience and give us a good platform going into the A-League season.”
Looking forward to seeing Jacob in action next season #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/HSiUIAFQCT
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 26, 2020
