Outside90’s Brayden May selects the best performers from the latest round of A-League action for our Team of the Week.
Mark Birighitti (Goalkeeper) – Newcastle Jets
The Newcastle Jets goalkeeper proved to be one of the best on field as his side was defeated 2-1 by the Western Sydney Wanderers, who grabbed their first win of the season. Since returning from loan at the end of 2014-15, Birighitti has been the preferred No.1 for the Jets and he showed why, pulling-off numerous saves to keep his side in the game throughout the match as they were put under constant pressure.
Tarek Elrich (Right-back) – Adelaide United
The only real shining light in another defeat for Adelaide United, as their season went from bad to worse on Thursday night. Elrich provided his usual runs forward, launching a number of balls into the box throughout the match. This game proved to be one of his better performances for the season, which has been pretty disappointing by his standards. Kept the young Socceroo Stefan Mauk quiet for most of the contest.
Ben Sigmund (Central-defence) – Wellington Phoenix
Sigmund proved to be a rock at the back for the Nix alongside partner Andrew Durante, as they drew 1-1 with the Central Coast Mariners. Wellington were put under constant pressure from the home side as they continued their shaky start to the season, but the 34-year-old’s experience was key in cutting out a number of Mariner attacks. If not for him the home side may have gone on to win the game.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Central-defence) – Western Sydney Wanderers
Produced another solid performance for the Wanderers as they grabbed their first win of 2015-16, hoping that it will kick start their season. The former Jet dealt with most of the aerial challenges put forward by the opposition’s attacks on numerous occasions. Primed with the job of keeping Newcastle talisman Milos Trifunovic under wraps, the 30-year-old limited the dangerous Serbian’s influence.
Lee Ki-Je (Left-back) – Newcastle Jets
Proving to be a real hit at the left-back position so far this season, as the Jets went down to Western Sydney 2-1 at Hunter Stadium in Saturday’s twilight fixture. His darting runs forward are proving to be key in launching his side’s movement up the pitch this season. The Korean linked-up well with Enver Alivodic as the pair gave the Wanderers’ left-hand side of defence a torrid time during the match.
Aaron Mooy (Central-midfield) – Melbourne City
Is this guy the best player in the A-League? On his current form it would be hard to argue someone who is standing out as much as the Socceroos playmaker. The Melbourne City marquee man produced yet another scintillating performance as City cruised to a 4-2 win against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium. Mooy’s passing spilt the defence on numerous occasions, creating one goal before scoring his own after hitting the underside of the crossbar with an absolute bullet.
Andreu (Central-midfield) – Western Sydney Wanderers
The new Wanderer produced his best game so far in the red and black, his side claiming their first win of the season over the Jets. The Spaniard patrolled in front of his back four expertly and cut out numerous attacks. In fact, the former Racing Santander man was very composed on the ball, looking as if he had it on a string and was not going to give it away. His performance was capped-off with a well taken penalty.
Michael McGlinchey (Central-midfield) -Wellington Phoenix
Returning to face his former side, the Kiwi international produced a powerful display playing at the heart of midfield for the Nix. He received the three votes in Outside90’s player of the year competition for his performance, in a match where he easily beat young Mariners defender Jake McGing, before finishing past goalkeeper Paul Izzo with a powerful finish. His first touch was classy all day.
Brandon Borello (Right-wing) – Brisbane Roar
While he may not have been on the scoresheet this week, Borrello produced another eye-catching performance in his side’s top of the table clash against Sydney FC, which ultimately ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Borello’s defensive tracking of fullback Rhyan Grant as Sydney looked to attack the Roar on the right-hand side was supreme, something any coach loves to see from his attackers.
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Mitch Austin (Left-wing) – Central Coast Mariners
Having burst onto the scene on the opening weekend of the season, Austin had gone quiet since the match against the Phoenix, as he wreaked havoc down the left-flank. Opposition right-back Justin Gulley was faced with a torrid time on debut as Austin produced a man of the match performance. The 24-year-old was at his best running toward the defence with his blistering pace.
Bruno Fornaroli (Striker) – Melbourne City
What a hit this man has been in only the short time he has been on our shores. The Uruguayan added another double to take his season tally to five, meaning he is the leader for the golden boot early on in the season. Fornaroli looks to be forging a dominant with teammate Mooy, which could spell trouble for the rest of the competition. He was a handful for the Adelaide defence all night as he continues to prove why City signed him.
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