28. Osama Malik (Adelaide United)
Osama Malik is one of Josep Gombau’s biggest success stories. When Gombau arrived at Adelaide, Malik had been at the club for five years playing as a bit part midfielder. Now, however, the 25-year-old is among the best centre backs to ply their trade in the A-League.
A major part of Adelaide United’s recent success, Malik epitomises the archetypal ball-playing centre back. With an impressive range of passing, much of Adelaide’s possession based game is started by Malik, who found his target with 87% of his passes last season.
At 6”1’ he is also an aerial asset, winning 63% of his headed duels last season. Malik is likely to be the leader of the defence for the upcoming A-League season, so the former North Queensland Fury man will need to be on top form if they are to bridge the gap to the Victory this year.
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