Will Roarâ€™s Berisha sink new employers?

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BRISBANE Roar sensed a unique individual had arrived before Besart Berisha had even kicked a ball.

So unique, in fact, there were doubts about whether he would fit in when he arrived from German side Arminia Bielefeld in 2011.

"We didn't know him, but at the first session we knew he was going to be a superstar,'' former teammate Massimo Murdocca said.

ULTIMATE GUIDE: BRISBANE ROAR v MELBOURNE VICTORY

"He was just attacking, attacking, attacking and performing his signature dribbles and he never lost the ball.

"It was evident he was going to be that explosive player who wasn't going to be afraid of anyone.

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"At first it was quite daunting, quite confronting. Passion is an understatement and it was something I'd never seen before in my career, ever.

"You sort of looked at it in a negative way because I had never seen it. But once I got to know him and understand him, it's a no-brainer. He just wants to win and it's infectious.''

Then coach Ange Postecoglou got an even earlier indication the Pristina-born, Berlin-raised striker would be different from anyone else he's dealt with.

"Before I signed him we had visa issues getting him out here, and he was pretty much ringing me on a daily basis because he was so eager to start and that was a good sign,'' Postecoglou said.

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"He's very passionate and I like that about him.

"Sometimes we lack a bit of it, but once he enters the field he feels like he has to put it all on the line, regardless of the circumstances.

"Every time I speak about him it's hard for people to relate. He's such a gentle, placid guy and quiet family man off the field. On it he's the kind of guy you want in a group, always upbeat. He'll defend his team and teammates to the very end — it's quite a contrast.''

Besart Berisha of the Roar will face new employers Melbourne Victory on Sunday. Source: News Corp Australia

Underlining that loyalty, Murdocca said a small deed from him and right back Ivan Franjic in Berisha's first week in Australia when they drove him around "sorting out his life'' has never been forgotten.

Their close bond has meant that Murdocca has seen Berisha's passion — and persistence — flow in abundance off the pitch.

"He's passionate with everything in life, not just football. He goes over the top and that's what I loved about him,'' he said.

"Whether it's which cafe had the best coffee, or whether the cevapi (Balkan kebab) were better at one restaurant and why, he'll give his passionate opinion and you just had to laugh at him.

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"He doesn't mind his golf, but he's terrible — one of the worst golfers I've seen in my life.

"He probably doesn't have the patience but he's got the persistence. He'll go again and again and he dresses up better than the pro golfers.''

Now at Melbourne Heart, Murdocca is licking his lips at their imminent reunion when Berisha begins his new life as Melbourne Victory's marquee player next season.

On Sunday at Suncorp Stadium Berisha could end Victory's 2013-14 campaign and its hopes of qualifying for the Asian Champions League in one fell swoop.

The spotlight couldn't shine any brighter on Berisha, who polarises opinion like no other A-League player, having been sent off this season an A-League record of three times.

Besart Berisha of the Roar doesn't lack passion on the field. Source: News Corp Australia

Despite his firebrand image, Berisha had never been sent off prior to before this season, but did earn seven bookings last season and four in his debut year.

So will the occasion get to him? Will his loyalties be divided in his first appearance against Victory this season?

Roar coach Mike Mulvey said if Friday's training session was any indication, he is primed for a big performance, but has no doubt that he is fully focused.

"Absolutely, we pay his wages and what you'll see from Besart is 100 per cent commitment to Roar and he'll prove that at the weekend,'' Mulvey said.

"We wanted to keep him. But the way the league is set up with the salary cap, a decision has been made based on economics. It's a function of the times and what's in the future is in the future.

Besart Berisha will leave Brisbane with happy memories. Source: News Corp Australia

"He has my full blessing. When it was announced we made a pact. We said he's here to the end of the season, we're going to trust each other. He's got my back and I've got his.

"In finals you have to make sure the occasion doesn't get to you. He played two years ago in a grand final and he's a big-game player.

"He's ready. I know because I've seen it at training. He looked particularly sharp (on Friday) and he's very focused.

"He's a human being. He's proven some days he will score, some days he won't. More often than not he does.''

Postecoglou said it will be a bizarre situation for Berisha, but it would be foolish to expect anything less than an typically energetic performance.

Will Berisha score against Melbourne Victory? Source: News Corp Australia

"It would be a bit of a challenge for him, knowing how fiercely loyal he is to his teammates and team; he'll be giving it his all on the weekend then it becomes unusual because the people he's facing become teammates,'' he said.

"The red cards haven't come from the fact he's moving — he plays the game right on the edge and he was caught out a couple of times and got punished, but he won't change the way he plays. Even though he's a striker and loves scoring, he's very selfless and his whole motivation was to make sure he looked after his teammates and he plays the game on the edge.''

Murdocca said Berisha's penchant for the big occasion indicates he's primed, but admitted there was added intrigue.

"I couldn't imagine being him. It would be an incredible feeling being in his shoes, everyone will be watching him, with the whole situation and him going to Victory and it potentially being his last game for Brisbane,'' Murdocca said.

"All those things will build up. He's either going to explode or really step up and take things in his stride.

"I'm looking forward to it. I've booked my seat on the couch and I'm really looking forward to seeing him do his stuff again.''

Victory captain Mark Milligan said his defenders won't be afraid to dish it out to their future teammate. But considering his own recent duels with Alessandro Del Piero, it wouldn't be a surprise if he acted as agent provocateur.

"I don't think any of our centre backs are going to hold back if they get the chance,'' Milligan said.

"He (Berisha) is the same. He's very passionate. He's a big part of the way they play and he's going to be wanting to win. I'm sure no matter no what happens this weekend, it will be all hugs and kisses next year.''