With Adelaide United undefeated in four consecutive matches after beginning the A-League season in horrendous fashion, winless in the opening eight rounds, we take a look at the five influential performers that have helped change the Reds’ fortunes ahead of a fascinating match with league leaders Western Sydney Wanderers.
Marcelo Carrusca
A little over six weeks ago the Argentine sensation, usually synonymous with a magnificent passing range and elegant ball skills, was a complete shadow of his former self. Low on confidence and lacking intensity, Carrusca was justifiably banished to the substitutes’ bench for three successive games by coach Guillermo Amor. The Spaniard’s monumental call has now paid dividends in retrospect, given the form of the ex-Galatasaray midfielder. In what can only be described as a prudent case of man management, Amor deserves all the credit when fans were left scratching their heads at his decision.
Carrusca, like any professional, realised his performances were simply inadequate for the quality he possesses and made the most of the cameo appearance he had against Melbourne Victory. Despite a 2-1 defeat to their arch-rivals, he expertly dispatched a penalty and has gone on to start every game since, playing a pivotal role in victories against Perth Glory and of course the last-gasp stoppage time winner from a spot kick over Sydney FC.
Jordan Elsey
What Elsey lacks in experience, he makes up for with immense potential. At just 21, the young defender has been one of the revelations of the season for Adelaide, consummately filling the void vacated by the injured Osama Malik. Since recovering from a horrific spate of injuries, which forced him to miss the entire 2014-15 season, breaking both wrists before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament late last year, Elsey has excelled, forming a formidable partnership alongside Dylan McGowan.
The precocious centre-half made his season debut replacing Malik against the Newcastle Jets after just eight minutes in round seven and has taken his opportunity with both hands. Following Elsey’s inclusion into the starting XI at the expense of Malik, Adelaide have conceded a mere two goals in six games. Once Malik does eventually reach full fitness it will certainly connote a massive selection headache for the Barcelona legend as to whether to persist with the prodigious talent or recall the 25-year-old and disrupt a settled and resolute back four.
Michael Marrone
Much of the news emanating from the 3-0 win over the Wellington Phoenix was the fact that Marrone finally ended a barren run of over 125 league appearances without a goal. His simple tap-in capped off another admirable performance from the marauding right-back who has been a model of consistency during the renaissance transpiring in the city of churches. Marrone’s ability to incessantly run up and down the flank is a testament to his endurance and this enables him to not only fulfil his defensive duties, but also add himself in advanced areas. The 28-year-old’s recent showings have not gone unnoticed by pundits and spectators alike with the full-back the recipient of several A-League Team of the Week nominations.
Eugene Galekovic
It should never be underestimated just how crucial it is to have an excellent and equally reliable gloveman between the sticks. Therefore, it should come as no coincidence that the return of talisman and club captain Galekovic has coincided with the Reds’ remarkable resurgence – restoring aspirations of a top six finish. Galekovic did not feature in the first six weeks of the season, after electing to have surgery on a troublesome knee and his presence on the field was sorely missed.
Although the 34-year-old’s understudy John Hall faired reasonably well, his naivety in being able to marshal and instruct his defence was a noticeable deficiency and something which can be attributed to the Reds’ initial struggles. After his much anticipated comeback in round seven coming as a welcome relief to many a United fan, he has subsequently kept four clean sheets in six matches and highlighted why he is arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time since the A-League’s inception.
Pablo Sanchez
While fellow attacker Craig Goodwin could be perceived as an unlucky omission given his strong outing against the Phoenix, Pablo Sanchez has been unequivocally impressive. The diminutive Spaniard essentially kick-started United’s revival, following an audacious lob in the 1-0 triumph against Perth, handing Amor his first win of the campaign. More effective as a striker despite his height and lack of pace, Sanchez is more than capable of playing as a winger due to his apt tactical positioning and natural instinct for goal.
This was made manifest when he struck the post minutes after coming on for the beleaguered Bruce Djite against the Nix, which resulted in Marrone converting from close-range. Irrespective of being scoreless in the preceding three games, Sanchez has still acquitted himself extremely well and is slowly capturing the attention of Adelaide fans.
The Reds travel to Sydney to face a Wanderers outfit brimming with confidence on New Year’s Day, in a clash where they will be considered very much the underdogs.
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