Outside90’s Brayden May selects the standout performers from the latest round of A-League action for our Team of the Week.
Jamie Young – Goalkeeper – Brisbane Roar
Coach John Aloisi personally praised the Roar goalkeeper post-match as Young continued his good form from last weekend. He played a key role in ensuring that the Glory would not return home with any points, making a number of impressive saves to deny the visitors a late equaliser.
Michael Marrone – Right-back – Adelaide United
The first thing that springs to mind about Marrone is that he should have had a penalty after a heavy challenge by Nikolai Topor-Stanley. Marrone has made the position his own this season and coach Amor will be happy with the consistent fullback. His darting runs forward into the box continue to cause problems for opposition defences.
Jordan Elsey – Central-defence – Adelaide United
The 21-year-old has continued to come on leaps and bounds this season with the more minutes he is getting out on the pitch. The emergence of the young defender has led to rumours that fan favourite Osama Malik may be on his way to Melbourne City, with attacker David Williams going in the other direction. Elsey’s presence on the pitch is a key to his constant improvement.
Thomas Deng – Central-defence – Melbourne Victory
The youngster features in our best XI for the second consecutive week after yet another strong performance. The 18-year-old has perhaps been the find of the season so far, in a campaign that has been up and down for the reigning champions. Against the Jets in the 1-0 victory Deng was strong in the tackle and dominate in aerial duels.
Tarek Elrich – Left-back – Adelaide United
A much improved performance from the Socceroo after struggling to find consistent form in the opening stages of the season. The 29-year-old was not afraid to get forward which displays his sides current confidence they boast, despite playing against the Wanderers who were the competition leaders heading into Matchday 13. Elrich covered his work at the back well for most of the match.
Michael Neill – Central-midfield – Central Coast Mariners
Neill produced one of his better performances of the season as his side grabbed a 3-1 win over the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League’s final game for 2015 on New Year’s Eve. The 21-year-old recorded himself a goal after making a great tackle, before putting the ball in the back of the net with a well-placed finished.
Milos Ninkovic – Central-midfield – Sydney FC
The Serbian midfielder was his side’s best in a 2-2 draw with Melbourne City at Ammi Park on Saturday evening. Ninkovic scored twice, with both goals levelling the game in a match where Sydney FC will be wondering how they left without all three points. The 31-year-old found himself at the heart of many Sky Blue attacks throughout the match.
Corona – Central-midfield – Brisbane Roar
Yet another strong performance from the man anchoring the Brisbane midfield. Showed-off both his attacking and defensively capabilities in the match against the Glory, with the Roar winning 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium. The Spaniard managed to pick out a number of key passes to get the home side moving forward. Was not afraid to throw himself at the ball to get his side moving forward.
Harry Novillo – Right-wing – Melbourne City
The Frenchmen proved the attacking inspiration for his side in the absence of star man Aaron Mooy, who was missed with injury. Novillo grabbed himself two assists on the night to cap-off his performance with, both coming courtesy of beautifully delivered crosses into the 18-yard-box. His decision to drift inside as the game wore on proved to be the major difference for his side as they went in search of all three points.
Thomas Broich – Left-wing – Brisbane Roar
Despite appearing to struggle in recent weeks, the Roar’s star man produced an established and classy performance for his side in their 2-1 win over Perth Glory. Broich found himself in a number of dangerous positions throughout the match, greeted with applause from the home fans. The former German under 20 international can count himself unlucky not to score to round out his performance.
Bruno Fornaroli – Striker – Melbourne City
This man is really finding it difficult to stay out of the team of the week with his current form. Fornaroli netted his sixth goal in as many games and his 12th for the season with a delightful header from his partner in crime Novillo. Playing the lone striker role week in, week out is a difficult job and the Uruguayan continues to demonstrate why he is one of the first names on the team sheet each week.
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