Arques completes 14 days hotel quarantine on Saturday and will begin training with the Jets next week.

The 29-year-old is a product of the Villarreal youth academy and played for Elche in the La Liga before spending the past four years in Asia.

"Spanish players are known for their technical abilities and football knowledge," Al-Taay said. "It will be good to watch how he moves into spaces to get the ball and the creative side of his game.

"He is very experienced. We share the same position and I am here to fight for a spot as well. I will do my best. I will learn off him and have that competition."

Al-Taay, 21, joined the Jets this season from Western Sydney, where he was a stand out for the youth team but didn't feature on an A-League teamsheet.

"I came here to fight for a spot and put my name out there," Al-Taay said. "I am very hungry. Every day I want to get better and better, and when my chance comes I have to take it.

"I like to get stuck in, read the play, win the 50-50 challenges and work hard. With the ball, I try to keep it simple."

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Al-Taay said he had benefitted from the COVID extended pre-season and felt ready to make the step up.

"The training has been very intense," he said. "It has given me the chance to understand the role and be a bit more mature on the ball. Tactically, learn how the boss wants to play and try to be as consistent as I can."

With COVID restrictions easing, the Jets will be able to play friendlies from October 25 and hope to have at least three before their A-League season-opener against the Mariners on November 21.

"We have played a lot of games against each other and been able to analyse our performances to understand what we want," Al Taay said. "We are excited to see some friendlies come up.

"It has been a very long pre-season but it has been good. All the boys have bonded well. The change room is a very positive environment. Everyone is mates with each other, the banter is good and when he are on the field everyone is focused. We are getting the most out of each other. It is healthy competition."

Meanwhile, FFA Cup round of 32 dates were confirmed on Friday for Northern NSW NPL sides Newcastle Olympic and Broadmeadow Magic, who face A-League opposition at No.2 Sportsground.

Magic play Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday, November 10 from 7.30pm, while Olympic take on Macarthur the following Saturday, November 13, from 6pm.

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