Johor Darul Ta’azim (JDT) striker Juan Martin Lucero has been in tremendous form since joining the club prior to the Malaysia Super League (MSL) season, but vows to continue his impressive run until The Southern Tigers play regular football in the AFC Champions League.
The 24 year-old Argentinian was signed as a last-minute replacement for Paulo Rangel, who was demoted to the second team after failing to impress Mario Gomez during pre-season, and won the Charity Shield against Selangor two days after he completed his big move.
Fast forward five months, Juan Martin Lucero is currently the joint-top goalscorer in the league with 10 goals alongside Francis Forkey Doe as well as the joint-top goalscorer in the club with 19 goals alongside compatriot Jorge Pereyra Diaz. His efforts in the league ensured the club a top-place finish and he earned himself the Player of the Month award in April.
Juan Martin Lucero won his second trophy for Johor Darul Ta’azim when they defeated PKNS FC 2-1 two months ago, but he does not wish to stop now because he has more to offer.
“The FA Cup win was special because we deserved it more than anyone else, but we have yet to show the world what we are capable of,” Juan Martin Lucero told FourthOfficial.com.
“However, we will obviously not stop here because we have to set our minds on playing regular football in the AFC Champions League when the new season begins next year.
The 5-foot-10 man had a shaky start to the season and was quickly doubted by many of the Johor Darul Ta’azim supporters, but he was glad to stay positive and keep on working hard.
“I could not have done it without my teammates and coaching staff for believing in me without a single doubt. Jorge Pereyra Diaz made it easier for me to settle in the club.
There were reports suggesting that Paulo Rangel was to make a sensational comeback to the first team after impressing with the second team in the Malaysia Premier League (MPL) and ensured them a spot in the Malaysia Cup, and Juan Lucero was quick to praise the forward.
“He (Paulo) is a fantastic player and I would love to play alongside him in the near future.”
The second half of the season resumes this weekend as Johor Darul Ta’azim face Kedah, but only after they host PKNS FC in the first Malaysia Cup group stage game tonight.
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