Peter Makrillos talks about V-League: direct, energetic

Peter Makrillos, a new recruit of Ho Chi Minh City Police, assessed that V-League is “very different” with a focus on a direct and energetic pace. After more than two months with the team, the Australian midfielder has made 6 appearances, scored 1 goal and assisted 1, quickly becoming an important part of the team’s system.

Highlights: V-League is direct and energetic

Sharing about his initial experience in the toughest tournament in Vietnam, Makrillos said: “It’s very different. This tournament is more direct and aggressive than the tournaments I’ve played in before.”

The 1995-born midfielder’s comments suggest a playing environment that prioritizes speed of play and quick transitions. For central midfielders, that means requiring neat handling, early decisions and a higher frequency of challenges to maintain the direct rhythm of play he describes.

Asian experience and adaptation

Makrillos emphasized his experience: “I spent three years playing in Asia, so I have had a relatively good experience. Especially in terms of culture and the tournaments I have been through.”

Having played in Europe as well as Australia and Korea helped him quickly adapt to the differences in tempo and style. In the context of V-League, which emphasizes directness, understanding the culture of competition and tactical habits in many environments is an important support for Makrillos to quickly integrate.

Role at Ho Chi Minh City Police: 6 matches, 1 goal, 1 assist

Since the start of the season, Makrillos has played 6 matches for Ho Chi Minh City Police, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. These numbers show a good integration speed, and also reflect his initial influence in organizing the play, from technical ability to tactical vision.

With his technical background and observational ability, the Australian midfielder is expected to maintain a key role, especially in transition situations – a piece that fits the “direct, energetic” characteristics that he himself mentioned about the V-League.

Tactical angle: What does “direct” require in the midfield?

In a more direct environment, central play is often shorter, with more direct passing towards goal rather than building up long passes. This places clear demands on the midfielder: looking before receiving the ball, positioning for first-touch passes, and transitioning quickly from defence to attack.

Makrillos – with his own description of the V-League’s rhythm of play – is therefore constantly “tested” for his decision-making speed. His contributions of 1 goal and 1 assist after 6 matches show his initial response in that context.

Next challenge: hosting Hai Phong

In the upcoming round, Ho Chi Minh City Police will return home to welcome Hai Phong - the team of coach Chu Dinh Nghiem and his team who just defeated Ha Tinh and are always a tough opponent. This is a suitable test for Makrillos and his teammates, as the intensity of the competition and the speed of transition will likely continue to be key variables.

Selected statistics

• 6 appearances in V-League since the beginning of the season.
• 1 goal, 1 assist for Ho Chi Minh City Police.
• More than two months wearing the new team shirt.
• 3 years of competition in Asia before coming to Ho Chi Minh City Police.

Notable Quotes

• “It's very different. This tournament is more direct and aggressive than the tournaments I've played before.”
• “I have been playing in Asia for three years, so I have had quite a good experience. Especially in terms of culture and the tournaments I have been through.”

With a diverse experience and quick adaptation, Makrillos promises to continue to increase his influence in the playing style of Ho Chi Minh City Police when the competition schedule enters a more challenging phase.