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January 21, 2025Marco Tilio was part of the Melbourne City side that won the A-League double in 2020/21, wowing the crowd with his display in the Grand Final.
He became a first-team regular and helped the club secure three successive Premierships, earning a big move to Scottish Premiership giants Celtic.
Fans were eager to see what the Australian winger had in his arsenal. However, their expectations were cut short as he endured a 2023/24 campaign ravaged by injuries.
Now back on loan at Melbourne City this season, Tilio is desperate to set his career back on track, possibly earning another shot at Celtic.
A Promising Start Meets a Rocky Road
Tilio joined Celtic in 2023, but suffered a quad injury in pre-season, setting the tone for a disappointing campaign.
Missing early preparations for the season meant he never had a chance to impress manager Brendan Rodgers and be on the same wavelength as his teammates.
That early setback, plus the fierce competition for places, meant he was loaned back to Melbourne City with only 27 minutes of football under his belt during his six-month spell in Scotland.
Tilio needed a change of environment to build his fitness and form. But the injuries never let him off the hook, limiting him to only four appearances for the remainder of the season.
He was subsequently not selected as part of the AFC Under-23 Championship squad as Australia failed to secure qualification for the Olympic Games.
Seeking Redemption at Melbourne City
Tilio has tried to remain optimistic for the 2024/25 season as Melbourne City extended his loan, despite his injury issues.
He showed his quality with a well-taken winning goal and impressive performance against Newcastle Jets upon his return to action in October.
After making three appearances, injury struck again. A partial tear to his hamstring tendon will likely rule Tilio out for a few weeks. Returning to full fitness and maintaining consistent performances are non-negotiables for Tilio.
Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar sees Tilio as a key player and cannot wait to get him integrated into the team to play a vital role.
City are desperate to make amends after losing three successive Grand Finals and need everyone available. They are one of the bookmakers’ favourites to reach the final again, and having Tilio in the squad would be a massive booster.
A-League punters will be eager to avail themselves of bonus bets in Australia as the season reaches the business end and City’s chances of success would improve with Tilio in the team.
Tilio Could Work his Way Back to Celtic
Celtic handed the Australian talent a long-term contract and they will be hoping he overcomes his injury problems and starts performing at optimal levels.
However, Rodgers does not deviate from his core group of trusted players. He loves proven performers and has enough attacking talent on the roster, even without Tilio.
For Tilio to convince the Northern Irishman, he must consistently deliver exceptional performances. A successful second half of the season in his homeland might prompt Rodgers to give him another look or allow the club to sell him for a profit.
Tilio is determined to establish himself in the Australian national side. He debuted for the Socceroos in 2021 but has not featured since January last year.
He believes manager Tony Popovic will give him a clean slate to impress and break into the national team set-up. Earning a spot would bolster his case for a return to Celtic or attract attention from other European suitors.
The odds may seem stacked against Tilio, but there is a path forward. The fact his injuries have not broken him bodes well. He remains determined to play consistent football, but he needs a few things need to align.
Tilio must stay injury-free for a sustained period to allow him to play consistently and prove his mettle. Regular football will build his confidence and show his reliability.
He also needs to deliver the goods when he gets on the pitch. The winger must produce goals and assists and all the other key metrics by which attackers are judged.
He registered 10 goals and five assists in 25 league appearances in the 2022/23 season and should be aiming for equally impressive numbers, showing he can influence games consistently at a high level.
With Celtic constantly evolving under Rodgers, opportunities may arise for Tilio to return if he proves his worth. Alternatively, a strong season in the A-League could open doors elsewhere in Europe.