Brayden May selects the pick of the bunch from A-League matchday 12.
Jamie Young – Goalkeeper – Brisbane Roar
Young produced his best performance of the season as his side grabbed a 3-1 win against Melbourne City at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday evening. The 30-year-old made a number of impressive saves to keep the visitors out on a number of occasions, particularly during an end-to-end first half. The former Aldershot custodian had a few nervy moments early in the second half but made up for these with crucial interventions.
Rhyan Grant – Right-back – Sydney FC
The 24-year-old was given license to overlap by coach Graham Arnold and this is what the full-back did all night, causing havoc for the Central Coast Mariners defence in the 4-1 rout. Grant was thrown straight into the action in the early moments of the game as he saw his header cannon against the crossbar from a Brandon O’Neill corner. The defender took care of his defensive duties well throughout the night.
Thomas Deng – Central-defence – Melbourne Victory
The youngster produced yet another eye-catching performance at the heart of the champions’ defence following his selection in the Olyroos squad for the upcoming under-23s AFC Asian Championship. Displaying composure beyond his years was a real highlight from Deng in the 1-1 draw with Perth Glory. Continuing to play alongside veteran defender Matthieu Delpierre will only benefit the youngster.
Alberto Aguilar – Central-defence – Western Sydney Wanderers
The Spaniard grabbed his first goal in his club’s colours as the Wanderers extended their lead at the top of the A-League table on Christmas Eve. In a man of the match performance, the central defender produced a commanding performance alongside club captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley.
Alex Gersbach – Left-back – Sydney FC
On his return from suspension, Gersbach showed exactly why Graham Arnold elected to restore him to the first XI. The 18-year-old was not afraid to get forward throughout the match providing options for his team mates on numerous occasions. The youngster dealt well with the threat provided by Nick Fitzgerald throughout the night. A number of dangerous crosses were unlucky not to be rewarded.
Brandon O’Neill – Central-midfield – Sydney FC
A man who has burst onto the scene this season demonstrated exactly why Aurelio Vidmar selected the youngster to replace Daniel De Silva in the latest Olyroos squad. The midfielder controlled the tempo of the match as he continued to find space in the middle of the park as his side cruised to a 4-1 win against the Mariners. His passing was at its best as O’Neill made a number of excellent passes.
Roly Bonevacia – Central-midfield – Wellington Phoenix
The 24-year-old yet again demonstrated why he is one of the most exciting players in the league to watch when he is full of confidence. Bonevacia was the main threat for his side as they went down 3-0 to Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium. The former Ajax man continued to make his way out of tight spaces with some magnificent dribbling.
Dimitri Petratos – Central-midfield – Brisbane Roar
The former Sydney FC man was full of confidence as his side grabbed a 3-1 win against a free-flowing Melbourne City team. The 23-year-old played a delightful ball to send Brandon Borello through which resulted in the hosts doubling their lead in the first half. The way he ran at the defence was very much a highlight, looking dangerous on every occasion.
Craig Goodwin – Left-wing – Adelaide United
The winger had a major say in the outcome of his side’s 3-0 win against the Wellington Phoenix as the Reds continued their impressive recent run of results. Goodwin’s cross resulted in a Manny Muscat mistake which saw the Phoenix defender put the ball in the back of his own net. Later on, Goodwin got his own goal, his second of the season to cap off a top performance.
Diego Castro – Right-wing – Perth Glory
Yet another strong performance for the Glory star. After his side won a penalty, the Spaniard stepped up to put the ball in the back of the net with a well placed effort. The former Getafe man found himself in a number of good positions throughout the 90 minutes as his side went in search of an equaliser against the Victory.
Alex Brosque – Striker – Sydney FC
Despite only playing the opening 26 minutes of the match, the Sydney FC skipper sent his side well on their way to the victory with a brace. Brosque was in the right place at the right time to score a tap-in before scoring from the penalty spot. The injury will be of concern to the Sky Blues who seemed to struggle once their captain was forced off.
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