Brayden May selects our A-League matchday 11 team of the week.
Thomas Sorensen – Goalkeeper – Melbourne City
The noisy neighbours will be thankful this man shined as City went on to claim a 2-1 victory in a classic Melbourne Derby on Saturday night at AAMI Park. The former Stoke City custodian produced 11 saves, with many coming during a second half onslaught from the Victory. The Danish shotstopper’s performance was highlighted by an off-balance reaction save off a Kosta Barbarouses header.
Seb Ryall – Right-back – Sydney FC
The full-back produced one of his better performances of the season as his side grabbed a point against the Phoenix in a 1-1 draw in Wellington, a game which started off a triple-header of perhaps some of the best A-League football of the season. The 26-year-old was calm and composed at the back, making numerous runs forward throughout the match.
Nigel Boogaard – Centre-back – Newcastle Jets
The skipper proved to be a major difference as he returned to the Jets starting lineup for the 0-0 stalemate against Adelaide United on Friday night. The former Red looked like a man possessed, cutting out a number of Reds attacks. His presence on the pitch provided stability at the back in a side vying to sneak into the top six.
Alex Grant – Centre-back – Perth Glory
Despite his side losing the lead twice throughout the game, Grant was a key figure at the back for the Glory in their 2-2 draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers. The 21-year-old demonstrated a good physical presence in an inconsistent Glory side. Grant was dominant in the air, winning many aerial duels against his opponents as he tried to get the ball moving forward.
Ben Garrucio – Left-back – Melbourne City
Garuccio kept Kept Kosta Barbarouses quiet for most of the night which saw the New Zealand international substituted as the Victory went in search of an equaliser. Not the first choice at left-back for City, Garrucio showed that Michael Zullo will have to be at his best when he returns to full fitness. The 20-year-old provided a delicate cross for the opener after a dashing run down the left.
Albert Riera – Central-midfield – Wellington Phoenix
Riera provided great protection for his back four as the Nix drew 1-1 with Sydney FC in the Saturday twilight fixture. The Phoenix midfielder demonstrated why he is one of the first names picked at Wellington with yet another consistent performance. He snuffed out a number of Sydney passes as they looked to get on the attack, which was key to sending his own side forward.
Isaias – Central-midfield – Adelaide United
The Spaniard played a major role in controlling the midfield for his side in their draw with the Newcastle Jets. Isaias played a number of inventive passes forward as his side looked to drive forward and break the deadlock at the Hunter Stadium on Friday night. His presence in the middle of the park helped the visitors control the tempo of the match.
Marcelo Carrusca – Central-midfield – Adelaide United
Carrusca can consider himself unlucky not to have scored at least once during the match as he hit the woodwork twice from set pieces. The 32-year-old was at his creative and troublesome best throughout the match as he proved a nuisance for the Jets defence throughout the 90 minutes. If the Argentine continues to produce this form it will go a long way to getting the Reds’ season back on track.
Diego Castro – Right-wing – Perth Glory
A man who last season was plying his trade for Getafe in Spain had his full quality on display against the Wanderers. The Spaniard calmly put away the penalty he won in the opening 90 seconds of the match after the referee judged that he was brought down by Western Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, one of few mistakes he has made this season. Castro was a menace all night for the Wanderers defence.
Fahid Ben Khafallah – Left-wing – Melbourne Victory
Despite being on the losing side of the derby, the Tunisian produced one of his better performances for the season on the left, causing a number of problems for City’s right-hand side. His cross to Besart Berisha in the closing stages of the first half was the highlight of his game. His passing and awareness was key to his performance throughout the night.
Besart Berisha – Striker – Melbourne Victory
A performance that had it all from the Albanian striker; a goal, passion and aggression. The Victory’s marquee man was key as his side went in search of an equaliser. Berisha showed great striker’s instinct as he completed Ben Khafallah’s cross despite pleas from the City defence for offside. His runs in behind the defence produced a number of chances for the reigning champions.
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