Sydney FC defender Michael Zullo has lavished praise on the Hyundai A-League club's new recruit, Polish winger Adrian Mierzejewski.

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Mierzejewski has settled in quickly at the Sky Blues and is set for his second competitive appearance in Wednesday night's Westfield FFA Cup clash against Melbourne City.

JUST LIKE NINKO

Zullo has been impressed by the quality of the former Trabzonspor winger, likening his style to last season's Johnny Warren Medal winner Milos Ninkovic.

“We definitely feel like we’ve strengthened in some really key areas,” Zullo said.

“Adrian has come in and he looks like a really strong player, but all the reinforcements all over the park seem to have been a step up from last season.

“He [Adrian] is a different type of player to [Filip] Holosko who he’s come in to replace. He’s more of a footballer on the ground, he likes getting into spaces.

“To me he feels like a Ninkovic but on the right side and left footed. He’s really experienced, calm on the ball and I’m looking forward to playing with him."

SKY BLUES NOW THE HUNTED

After their incredible double success last season, Zullo expects the whole Sydney FC squad will have to go to a new level to replicate those impressive feats.

It all kicks off tonight with the visit of City to Leichhardt Oval in a rematch of last year's Westfield FFA Cup final.

“People will be coming for us this year as champions but we’re confident of going to another level and being even better than last year,” the left-back said.

“We haven’t discussed last year at all, we’re fully focussed on the Quarter Final, it’s a massive game. Last year is irrelevant, different teams and players.

“It’s a big game, it’s the first big test we’ve had this year and we’ve been preparing all pre-season for this. It’s going to be a good match and we definitely expect to win.”