Summer signing Anthony Stewart looks set to bring granite strength to the Aberdeen defence having impressed on his debut at Brechin City.
The 29-year-old was handed the captain’s armband in the comfortable 7-1 friendly defeat of the Highland League outfit at Glebe Park.
Defender Stewart retained the captaincy at half-time, even though Joe Lewis, who held armband last season, came on at the break.
Last season Aberdeen registered just six clean sheets in 47 games in all competitions. It was a major Achilles heel in a disastrous season.
Secured on a two-year deal following the expiration of his contract from Wycombe Wanderers, early indications are Stewart can help shore up that rearguard.
Right-sided centre-back Stewart, 29, was vocal throughout his debut and constantly guided and gave advice to the rearguard.
He was dominant in the air, and comfortable in possession, as well as in the tackle.
Stewart read the game well and was in the right place at the right time to make key challenges.
Also making a Dons debut was Dutch keeper Kelle Roos, 30, who signed on a two-year deal following the expiration of his contract with Derby County.
It was difficult to assess Roos as he was never troubled and did not have a save to make when on in the first 45 minutes.
He did, however, dominate his box at set pieces and looked confident before being replaced at the half by Lewis.
Whether it will be Roos or Lewis in goal for the first competitive match of the season against Peterhead on Sunday remains to be seen.
However, with two experienced keepers now at the club, it appears whoever does get the No.1 jersey for the Premier Sports Cup tie at Balmoor will have a fight to keep it.
No Miovski or Ramadani yet
The wait for the Red Army to see summer signings Bojan Miovski and Ylber Ramadani continues.
Both were signed from Hungarian club MTK Budapest with striker Miovski secured for £535,000 and defensive midfielder Ramadani for £100,000.
They have been delayed due to Brexit red tape..
Aberdeen were the first to threaten in the fourth minute when Mason Hancock’s cross from the left found Christian Ramirez at the back post.
Striker Ramirez headed into the side netting from five yards.
Moments later Hancock fizzed a 25-yard drive just wide.
With left-back Jack MacKenzie ruled out with a thigh injury, teen Hancock started in that role.
The 19-year-old, who was on loan at Stirling Albion last season, impressed.
Aberdeen went ahead in the 19th minute when a low drive from Jonny Hayes was blocked on the line. The loose ball fell to Ramirez, who drilled low into goal from eight yards.
It is understood Aberdeen are willing to listen to offers for Ramirez who is contracted to the club until summer 2023.
It was the United States international striker’s second goal in two pre-season games, after he also netted in the 2-1 defeat of Buckie Thistle.
An impressive goal from Vicente Besuijen doubled the advantage moments later.
The Dutch winger burst down the left flank, cut inside and then fired a powerful 15-yard drive beyond keeper Lenny Wilson.
In the 37th minute, Besuijen struck again when he met a Matty Kennedy cross to clinically fire beyond the keeper from 10 yards.
Besuijen had looked red hot during the training camp in Spain and was continuing that form.
In the 43rd minute, Brechin City substitute Fraser MacLeod fired a low 22-yard shot wide.
Half-time: Brechin City 0 Aberdeen 3
Aberdeen increased their advantage in the 53rd minute when a low shot from Jonny Hayes spun off the keeper and Matty Kennedy fired in the loose ball.
Inside a minute it was 5-0 when Hayes was again at the heart of the action, heading in at the back post.
Brechin City grabbed a consolation in the 64th minute when David Bates, on as a substitute just minutes earlier, brought down Marc Scott in the area. Grady McGrath converted the spot-kick.
In the 67th minute, Hayes fired a low cross along the face of goal and substitute Liam Harvey fired in from close range, with Marley Watkins adding the seventh – again from close range – with 10 minutes remaining.
Full-time: Brechin City 1 Aberdeen 7
ABERDEEN: Roos (Lewis 46), Hancock (Ngwenya 60), Scales (Milne 60), Stewart (Bates 60), Richardson (Harvey 60), McCrorie, Polvara (Lobban 60), Kennedy (McLennan 60), Hayes, Ramirez (Watkins 46), Besuijen (Duncan 60).
BRECHIN CITY: Wilson, Bain, McHattie, Davidson, Thomson (Cruickshank 37), Scott, Partick, McGrath, Ross (Loudon 70), Inglis (MacLeod 16), Northcott.
Referee: Chris Fordyce
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