Outside90’s Brayden May selects the standout performers from the latest round of A-League action for our Team of the Week.
Mark Birighitti – Goalkeeper – Newcastle Jets
Despite being on the losing side, if it had not of been for the Newcastle custodian the Wanderers may have found the back of the net more than once. Birighitti was one of his side’s better players in a game which they lost 1-0. The 24-year-old made a number of big saves in particular during the second half to keep his side in the contest.
Josh Risdon – Fullback – Perth Glory
Risdon followed up his Socceroos call up with a standout performance as his side romped to a 4-0 victory against the Central Coast. The fullback kept Mitch Austin quiet until the winger was given his marching orders. The Socceroo wreaked havoc down the flanks as he provided two assists to cap off his performance on the night.
Ben Sigmund – Central Defence – Wellington Phoenix
In his return to the starting line up, the skipper made a world of difference as the Phoenix defeated a disappointing Sydney FC 3-1 away from home. Sigmund backed up his words from early in the week where he vowed not to let his team take a backwards step. The veteran’s leadership was key for the Phoenix with his physicality most impressive.
Alex Wilkinson – Central Defence – Melbourne City
In arguably his best performance since joining City, Wilkinson was a part of a back four desperate to keep only their third clean sheet of the season. The defender did his job as any defender should being rarely sighted in the victory. He commanded his position well alongside Patrick Kisnorbo throughout the 90 minutes.
Jack Hingert – Fullback- Brisbane Roar
In the early stages of the match Hingert found himself under constant pressure as the Victory started on the front foot, however, circumstances soon changed as the Roar grabbed the lead and did not look back. The 25-year-old caused problems for Victory left back Scott Galloway for much of the night and almost found himself on the scoresheet with a shot that went just wide.
Krisztian Vadocz – Central Midfield – Perth Glory
Very much an integral part to the Glory side as they continue their rise up the table, now sitting in fifth place after the weekend’s results. The Hungarian midfielder worked hard to win the ball back in the defensive midfield position on a number of occasions. His passing ability was top notch throughout the night to get the ball moving forward.
Dimitri Petratos – Central Midfield – Brisbane Roar
In arguably his best performance for Brisbane the youngster was pivotal as the home side stormed to a 5-0 victory against the Melbourne Victory. The 23-year-old linked up well with the forwards as he looked a major threat in the number 10 role for his side. An assist for Jamie Maclaren’s second goal capped off his performance.
Osama Malik- Central Midfield- Melbourne City
Playing against your old side can sometimes get to players, however, Malik stood out against his former club on Friday night. Malik dominated the air throughout the night using his height and heading ability very much to his advantage. His physicality in the middle of the park was key in such a big game.
Michael McGlinchey – Winger – Wellington Phoenix
The versatile New Zealand international produced a man of the match performance, despite not getting on the scoresheet, in his side’s 3-1 victory against Sydney on Saturday afternoon. His pace and tricky dribbling was at times too much for a Sydney FC defence who continue to struggle.
Jamie Maclaren – Striker – Brisbane Roar
After missing out on Socceroos’ selection, the forward hit back in the best way possible as he netted himself a hat trick against the reigning champions in a 5-0 romp. All three of the Olyroo’s goals were very well taken with the best arguably his chip over Victory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic. It will be hard to see him getting ignored by Ange Postecoglou next time around.
Diego Castro – Winger – Perth Glory
With his contract expiring at the end of the season Glory fans will be hoping this man will be strutting his stuff for the club next season. Castro was at his dangerous best early. He then stepped up to calmly slot home the penalty Chris Harold earned to open the scoring for the Glory. The Spaniard continued to ask many questions of the Mariners defence throughout the match.
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