As the A-League regular season comes to a close, the finals series appears just over the horizon. Brisbane Roar take on Adelaide United in the first elimination final this Friday at the Adelaide Oval. Before the nail biting, heart attack inducing finals begin, Outside90 correspondent Tom Gladwin runs the rule over the two clubs, creating a squad of the best eleven players likely to take the pitch this Friday night.
Goalkeeper
Eugene Galekovic
Adelaide’s captain fantastic has once again been imperious in goal. His 51 saves and seven clean sheets have been just as important as his leadership on the field, with players looking to him for inspiration in their time of need. An Asian Cup triumph was backed up by wonderful A-League performances, not to mention that game against Sydney FC when he singlehandedly won Adelaide the game and bagged an assist for good measure. He is one of, if not the best goalkeeper in the A-League competition.
Defenders
Tarek Elrich
This season Elrich has established himself as one of the leading left full-backs in the league, earning himself a Socceroos call-up and plaudits from many football pundits. To put Elrich’s form into context, the versatile full-back has won more tackles and made 10 more interceptions than Wellington Phoenix left sided defender Manny Muscat. He also chipped in with one of the goals of the season last week against Melbourne City.
Nigel Boogaard
Boogaard has been resolute at the back for Adelaide, exhibiting his typical no nonsense, aggressive approach. Although Dylan McGowan has improved over the course of the season, Boogaard has been a more consistence force in the heart of the Reds defence. The big central defender has even provided some action at the other end of the pitch, scoring two goals during the regular season.
James Donachie
In a surprise selection, Donachie takes the other centre-back berth in the back three. While his teammate Jade North may have the edge of him in consistency and experience, this season has proved to be a break out of sorts for the 21-year-old. An injury hit Roar backline allowed the youngster to establish himself as one of Frans Thijssen’s first choice defenders, taking his chance with aplomb. The future looks bright for this young player.
Midfielders
Matt McKay
After winning the Asian Cup with the Socceroos, McKay returned to the A-League exactly where he left off, wearing his heart on his sleeve and leading by example. After regaining the captaincy following the departure of Matt Smith, McKay has performed admirably, just beating the likes of Osama Malik and James Jeggo into the team. Notably, the Roar captain has completed more interceptions and passes than Melbourne Victory midfielder Mark Milligan, despite only playing 17 games this season.
Luke Brattan
After taking his game to a new level at the beginning of the season, Brattan suffered a dip in form after missing out on Socceroos selection. However, the Asian Cup break was perfectly timed, with the midfielder’s metronomic passing and long shots crucial to Brisbane Roar’s play.
Marcelo Carrusca
Playing in behind the strikers, Carrusca has performed the playmaker role for Adelaide United admirably, creating a myriad of chances and netting seven goals. While injury has cruelled the end of his season, he still features as one of the best playmakers across the two teams.
Sergio Cirio
He has been one of the best players in the league, scoring goals for fun in the FFA Cup and having seven next to his name in the A-league. The Spaniard has eight assists from a combined 40 chances created, showing a depth to his game that has allowed him to make a fool of defenders on a weekly basis.
Thomas Broich
Broich just beats Craig Goodwin into the team as a winger. Despite being injured for large parts of the season, the Brisbane marquee player’s 16 appearances has resulted in seven assists, 42 chances created and 535 passes at a completion rate of 78%. Goodwin, on the other hand, has played 11 more games and 600 more minutes of football, yet has less key passes and assists than the dynamic Broich. By this comparison, the skill and ability of German midfielder shines through as he continues to be one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Strikers
Henrique
Even though Henrique’s season was curtailed by a season ending knee injury, his attacking impact upon the Brisbane Roar team was to such a high level that he deserves a place in this team. He has scored eight goals from only 16 games, which still sees sees him as the leading player for the Roar’s golden boot. Furthermore, the Brazilian import is 10th on the A-League’s top goal scorers list, an impressive feat considering his reduced season.
Pablo Sanchez
Sanchez only just beats Bruce Djite into the team, having scored more goals and performing on a more consistent basis throughout the season. His connection with Carrusca and Cirio has proven to be a crucial cog in the free flowing Adelaide United outfit.
Special Mentions
Isaias, Brandon Borrello, Craig Goodwin, Osama Malik
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