Rejuvenated Grima shines for City

Massimo Grima, Valletta's in-form defender, tells Kevin Azzopardi of his determination to earn his spurs and bolster his prospects of a call-up to the national squad.

Valletta's steady march to the upper echelons of the Premier League standings mirrors the rejuvenation of Massimo Grima.

In his teens, Grima, now 25, was heralded as one of the brightest prospects in our football but his career digressed over the last few years amidst persistent reports that the former Pietà stalwart lacked discipline and was overweight to play in the top flight.

Sliema Wanderers, Malta champions for the past two seasons, had paid a hefty transfer fee to persuade Pietà Hotspurs to let go of their prized asset six years ago but his first-team appearances with the Blues became less and less frequent in the last few years.

By January of this year, Sliema had made up their mind to part with their talented rebel if a suitor stepped forward.

Chasing reinforcements at a little cost in order to salvage what was fast descending into a miserable season, the struggling Citizens reached agreement with Sliema to sign Grima on loan till the end of the season.

His limited, but ultimately positive, impact on Valletta's bid to retain their Premier League status led the club to negotiate a one-year extension to Grima's loan period in the close season.

Their faith in a player whose skills and game vision are second to none in local football has been more than vindicated as Grima has been central to Valletta's sparkling start to the new season, a pillar in J.J. Aquilina's reshaped four-man defence but also crucial in the goalscoring phase.

With six goals, four from the penalty spot, Grima is Valletta's leading marksman so far, a no mean feat for a defender.

"I am very happy at Valletta and this is clearly having a positive effect on my game," Grima told The Times yesterday after his late penalty in the 2-1 defeat of Birkirkara further strengthened his wonderful rapport with the passionate City fans, many of whom identify themselves with this streetwise and lion-hearted lad.

"Last season was the most difficult in my career. I was banned for three months for a slight doping offence (Grima had tested positive for a prohibited substance contained in fat-loss tablets).

"Then I had some differences with Sliema. I joined Valletta when they were going through a very bad patch in January but in spite of these complications, I tried to help the team the best I could and I think we did a good job.

"A new season brings fresh hope and I was really looking forward to establish myself at Valletta from the outset of this campaign.

"Our results so far have surprised many but this positive start is down to the hard work of the team. Most of the players in our squad may not be regarded as big-time but they certainly have the talent and the will to make their mark. Football is also played from the heart and at Valletta commitment and determination are not in short supply."

Although Grima is fast rediscovering his old self at Valletta, his fine form has only strengthened the general belief that he has what it takes to be one of the country's best players if he works on the physical side of his game and sheds those extra kilos around his waistline.

"I'm working hard to improve my fitness and reduce my weight," Grima said.

"The signs are very encouraging because I feel fitter these days. However, I'm the first to admit that I still have some way to go before I reach my optimal physical condition."

Less weight, more discipline and more performances like Saturday would certainly make Grima's case for a call-up to the national squad irresistible. With that suggestion came a confession that the national team still ranks high on his wish list.

"I want to show my true worth to be an asset for Valletta and to enrich my chances of playing for the national team. My performances have improved this season but I know I can do even better and that is what keeps me motivated," Grima said.

Grima may be endowed with fine football technique and rich imagination but his laid-back attitude has often led to conflicts with some coaches. As if to further highlight his determination to make up for lost time, Grima only had positive words for the coaches he has worked with in his career.

"There have been many coaches who have been very patient with me," he remarked.

"The names of Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia and Hugh Caruana readily spring to mind. Farrugia was my mentor when I played for the Malta U-21 team. He helped me a lot and showed me the true meaning of discipline.

"J.J. Aquilina has also been very supportive, engaging in one-to-one conversations about what he expects from me on the pitch."

Despite their bright start to the season, Valletta officials, including their hard-working president Charles Camilleri, would not be dragged into discussing their side's potential involvement in the title race.

Do the players believe that Valletta can challenge for a top-three finish?

I put this question to Grima and this is how he replied:

"If we maintain our momentum, I'm sure that we will vie for one of the top three positions. I believe we can do it but our primary aim has always been to secure a top-six finish. Our philosophy is to focus on the next game without looking too far beyond.

"Let's face it, it's unrealistic to expect this team to attain the same heights as the Valletta FC edition that won everything there was to win for many years. We are in a transitional period but that does not mean that the current Valletta team does not have the desire to succeed."

In football terms, it is widely accepted that players reach the peak of their careers from the age of 26 to 29. At 25, Grima knows that he can join the elite list of great Valletta players if he continues to deliver the goods.

That is also dependent on Valletta seeking to make his move permanent next summer but for the time being, Grima is only concerned with doing well this season. The rest can wait.

"I'm on a season loan with Valletta but at the minute I'm only concentrating on playing well in this year's campaign.

"This move has given me the platform to show one and sundry that I'm still the same player I was before. I want to do it for myself and to repay the faith Valletta have shown in me.

"Had it not been for the support of the committee, particularly the president Charles Camilleri and Paul Spiteri, my team-mates, the coaches and fans, I wouldn't be here talking positively about my contribution so far as well as that of our team.

"Come May, I will review my options but if we continue to perform like we have been doing so far and Valletta request my services for good, I would have no difficulties in making my move permanent," Grima said.

Scorers...

Birkirkara: M. Galea 8; Doda 4; Nwoko 2, Zahra 2; Mallia, Dronca (1 Pen.), Tabone, Mifsud Triganza.

Floriana: Wellman 5; Baldac-Chino 4; I. Ciantar, Bajada, Da Silva (1 Pen.), Cilia.

Hibs: Cohen 5 (4 Pens); Schembri 3; Scerri 2, Mbong 2; Baldacchino.

Lija: M. Gatt 3; Barry, Kristo.

Marsaxlokk: Barbara 3 (1 Pen) Paiber 3 (2 Pens); Bogdanovic 2, Carabott 2, Templeman 2; Zammit, Asechemie, Draganov, Magro, C. Mamo.

Msida: Porceddu 5 (3 Pens); Nwoke 4; Sammut 3; Zammit 2; J. Farrugia, Bajada, Theuma.

Pietà: Woods 9 (2 Pens); Frendo 4; Ortas 2; Zahra, Nisevic.

Sliema: Doncic 5 (2 Pens); Giglio 4, Mattocks 3; Turner (1 Pen), Debono, Anonam. Own Goals - Giuva (Vs Msida); Theuma (Vs Msida); S. Pace (Vs Valletta); Baldacchino (Vs Hibs).

St Patrick: Tanti 2, Caruana 2; Anizoba.

Valletta: Grima 6 (4 Pens); Agius 4; Galea 2, Vucasinovic 2, Zammit 2; Marx, Forace, Fenech.

Next matches...

Centenary Stadium

Friday
7 p.m. Sliema W. vs Pietà H.

National Stadium
Saturday
2 p.m. Lija A. vs Birkirkara
4 p.m. Valletta vs Hibernians

Tedesco Stadium
Sunday
12.45 p.m. St Patrick vs Marsaxlokk
2. 45 p.m. Floriana vs Msida SJ