Instinctively, junior forward Antonio Ferreira understands the advantages, and the subsequent dangers, of always being in the middle of the action for Marian Catholic.

That’s where the goals get scored from, and that’s where physicality occurs as well. Just like there’s a constant crowd at Grand Central Station, the penalty box area gets hectic.

But that’s exactly how Ferreira likes it for the Spartans.

“He doesn’t wait for chances to come to him,” Marian Catholic coach Diego Herrera said. “He puts himself in dangerous areas. He creates problems for defenders out of nothing.

“He’s effective without the ball. He’s aggressive and works tirelessly to press and regain possession.”

Ferreira helped Marian gain the upper hand Saturday, creating the pressure that led to a foul in the box. He gladly let a teammate take the penalty kick in 2-1 win over Providence.

Not be denied, Ferreira scored the winner in the second half for the Spartans (4-2), moving his season stats to 11 goals and five assists. And he doesn’t overcomplicate things.

“I’m very direct,” Ferreira said. “I like having the ball on my feet. At other times, I also like being able to take a guy with speed. I like using that to my advantage and maximize that.

“Scoring is definitely a skill, and I think it’s a result of my positioning on the field and the runs I make during a game. The most important part is my finishing ability.”

The 5-foot-9 Ferreira blends size, quickness, deft dribbling, creativity skills and expert vision. He anticipates the flow of the game and how to adapt his talents to the moment.

After playing for the Chicago FC United club program in his freshman year, the Park Forest native was eager to come home and put on a Marian Catholic uniform.

He broke onto the scene as a fearless and dazzling player last season, scoring 24 goals and distributing 15 assists.

“My freshman year, I was drawn to the idea of the change of pace,” Ferreira said. “I also wanted to play with my school, and I already knew most of the guys on the team.

“That was a really big factor, just having the chance to play with friends.”

Those friends were ecstatic at having him back in the fold, according to senior forward Christian Avila.

“What makes Antonio elite is his ability to change the moment of the game when we really need it the most,” Avila said. “He’s one of those players, when he gets the ball, you know something special is coming.

“It could be a great pass leading to an assist or an amazing goal. He might not be the strongest player physically, but he makes up for it with his speed and aggression.”

From the time Ferreira began playing at age 6, the thrill, creativity and ability to express himself just stuck.

“What I have always loved about the game is that I can be myself out there and put my own style on how I play,” he said. “My personality is between quiet and outgoing.

“I keep my cool and I try not to get irritated out there on the field. I try to always keep my spirits up because that is the best way to motivate the team.”

As good as Ferreira was last season, he noticed the parts of his game that he needed to be further refined. August has been a chance to showcase those evolving aspects.

“I think a big part of my game has always been aerial balls,” he said. “I think that’s just something I’ve been trying to improve. In every game, no matter who you go up against, you have to be able to turn that switch on.

“You can’t just do it in certain moments. It has to be throughout the game.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.