New Western Sydney Wanderers signing Federico Piovaccari is make or break for Tony Popovic this season, as the Asian Champions League winners need to put their scoring woes behind them. However, the key to all of this could be A-League veteran Scott Jamieson.
The Wanderers made their transfer intentions clear early on, with the capture of Perth Glory’s speedy fullback in May. This deal was well received by the majority sporting the red and black and Jamieson’s contributions from out wide and dead ball situations may provide further dividends for Western Sydney’s swift actions.
Throughout the 2014-15 season Jamieson was arguably the best full-back in the competition, only the likes of Tarek Elrich from Adelaide United or Melbourne Victory’s Daniel Georgievski can argue a better case.
What stood out the most in Jamieson’s game last season was the transition from defence to attack and the speed at which everything was executed. Time and time again, the former Sydney FC defender would hunt and retrieve possession for Perth, before starting another onslaught.
From here, he would carry the ball almost to the by-line and whip in a tantalising cross, which either effortlessly floated onto the head of a lethal Andy Keogh, or skipped through multiple flailing limps and into the path of Jamie Maclaren to tap home. In fact, Jamieson created well over 30 chances from the sidelines, both in play and from set piece scenarios.
Enter the towering frame of Wanderers new boy Piovaccari, who is relatively unknown to the A-League community having spent the majority of his career in Europe, especially in Italy, Romania and most recently Spain with SD Eidbar.
The Italian is prominent anywhere inside the 18-yard box, whether it be an aerial tussle or a dirty scrummage for scraps, Piovaccari generally comes out the victor. Hence, his goal scoring record at Serie B side A.S Citadella in 2010-11, where he netted a total of 23 goals from 39 appearances.
Not only, does his scoring presence bode well for Western Sydney, it is the manner in which these goals are achieved. The A-League is an extremely physical competition and it can be difficult struggle for foreign players to adapt, for instance, Edson Montano at the Newcastle Jets last season scored just six times.
The likes of Marc Janko and Keogh had successful first seasons because they had the urge, a hunger an aggression for anything in and around the box, and most certainly in any aerial joust they competed in. Everything that encapsulates the A-League, and Piovaccari seems to be of the same breed.
One may also have taken notice of the Italian’s quick feet and alternative talents, other than just being your typical target man, which again works well with Jamieson’s low driven crosses, or anything pushed through from Mitch Nichols and Mark Bridge anchoring the attack.
It is very early days, obviously, we have not yet to see either Piovaccari or Jamieson play together in Wanderers colours, although the idea of this potential partnership is exciting for anyone from the Red and Black Bloc.
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Jamieson will be available for selection in the Wanderers friendly match with Mt Druitt Town Rangers tonight, while Piovaccari will be in attendance and introduced to the supporters. The Italian’s first contributions for Western Sydney will most likely be against the Central Coast Mariners in another pre-season match on August 7th in Coffs Harbour.
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