Dover Athletic manager Jake Leberl says Portuguese forward Ruben Soares-Junior is relishing his role as opening goal in 2-0 Isthmian Premier victory at Bowers & Pitsea takes him to 11 for season

Ruben Soares-Junior is relishing his role at Dover, according to manager Jake Leberl.

Former Tonbridge, Margate and Folkestone forward Soares-Junior, 24, bagged the Isthmian Premier leaders’ first goal in last weekend’s 2-0 victory at struggling Bowers & Pitsea.

It was the Portuguese player’s second goal in as many games and his 11th of the campaign overall.

Leberl said: “I don’t really know what he has done previously regarding regular football, but he’s very key for us. He’s sort of relishing being that man.

“I think he likes the responsibility. He’s such a good lad, as well.

“You know what you’re going to get from him, he has been so consistent. Really, he’s the main man.

“I know Mitch (Walker) is the captain but he’s fairly reserved so Ruben definitely is the man that a lot of them look up to.”

Dover defender makes team-of-the-week

While 15-goal striker George Nikaj has led the way for Dover, who have won seven of their last eight league fixtures, Soares-Junior isn’t far behind.

“If Nikaj is suspended or injured, and similar with Ruben, the other players cannot walk out, thinking ‘Who’s going to do it?’,” said Leberl.

“We don’t need to rely on any one individual and, in that sense, it’s really pleasing.

“But I think Ruben would be the big miss, he would be the hardest one to replace.

“Hopefully, we can keep him fit and injury-free.”

Leberl also highlighted some players he felt haven’t quite got the credit they have deserved so far this campaign, such as Luca Cocoracchio.

He has had to adapt to playing without regular centre-back partner Joe Tennent in recent games.

Leberl said: “He has done fantastically.

“Obviously, the forwards get the plaudits for scoring the goals but every one of the players was at least an