Melbourne City teen sensation Max Caputo idolises Jamie Maclaren but wants to take his job.
The 18-year-old has been selected ahead of the A-League Men all-time leading goal scorer for City's past two games, and has made quite an impression.
And after scoring and delivering an assist in Tuesday night's 7-0 thumping of Western Sydney, Caputo has no plans of giving up the starting striker role he's coveted for years.
"It just shows hard work pays off really," Caputo told reporters after the game.
"I've learned a lot off him the last three years being 15,16, 17, 18 just trying to learn a lot off him - like he's scored 151 goals.
"So yeah, just really surreal moment for me."
Despite his own form struggles, Maclaren has been a supportive ear for Caputo.
The City skipper came off the bench for Caputo in the 65th minute and scored 12 minutes later, snapping a 10-game goalless run.
"He helps me. Before both games he's had a word to me about finding the back of the net," Caputo said.
"Obviously it's something he's good at and just settling the nerves really because (last week) it was my first start.
"He is really a good role model to have in the team, especially in my position as well.
"It's good to finally get some starts under my belt ahead of him, but he's scored a goal again tonight."
City coach Aurelio Vidmar was delighted by Caputo's form across his first two ALM starts.
"Maxy probably deserved a goal against Wellington, he had a couple of nice chances, so really nice for him to score tonight," he said.
"Then when he'd had enough we put Macca on.
"Credit to Macca. Sometimes taking that bit of pressure off (is good) and a game like this probably suited him, where it probably opened up over the last 30 minutes.
"So pleased for him. Who knows, he might go on a purple patch. That's how it works with goals."
Whether Caputo retains his starting spot is yet to be seen.
City now pause for the international break and won't play again until March 30, with Vidmar admitting "anything could happen" selection-wise in that time.
Vidmar is delighted to have a hungry Maclaren and Caputo genuinely competing for a start.
"I've always wanted two players fighting for every position," he said.
"The more competition you have in every position the better it is. It keeps everyone on their toes and it's only healthy for the group."
Vidmar was also optimistic Mathew Leckie would be back in the mix for the match against Newcastle.
