The countdown continues as we arrive at number two. The flair of Brazilian football meets the brute strength of the African game in a midfield duel that will no doubt set the tone for the evening’s proceedings.
Key match-up two: Gui Finkler vs Mickael Tavares
There are few players in world football that make football seem so easy – but Gui Finkler is one of those players. The cultured number 10 is the orchestrator of many of the Victory’s scintillating counter attacks and while he does not possess the pace of Kosta Barbarouses or Fahid Ben Khalfallah, it is his graceful touch and extraordinary vision that often unlocks the tightest of defences.
In a cross-continental battle, the man responsible for picking up the Victory’s great creator will be midfield enforcer Mickael Tavares. The Senegalese international has cemented a spot in Graham Arnold’s starting XI alongside Serbian, Milos Dimitrejivic to form both a creative and defensively stable midfield since arriving in January.
Comparing the two, their strengths become apparent. Finkler has played an incredible 61 key passes for his fellow Melbournians nine of which directly led to a goal. Meanwhile, Tavares’ has effected 32 key defensive actions and is yet to make a defensive error. A worrying statistic for Graham Arnold however will be the 34 fouls the defensive midfielder has committed in his 11 match spell.
Continuing to operate behind the ever-dangerous Besart Berisha, FInkler’s uncanny knack of finding space behind an opposition’s midfield will be pivotal as the Victory try to break down a solid Sky Blue defensive unit. However it is not just in general play that Finkler poses a threat. A dead-ball master, the Brazilian’s curling free-kicks have helped him reach a respectable seven goals this season and provided countless chances for his teammates. Should any of the Victory’s front four be repeatedly fouled, it will only be a matter of time before Finkler makes Sydney pay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnXKWM9CiYM
While Tavares’ forward ventures may be limited his ability to retain possession in the middle of the pitch will be paramount in restricting the Victory’s ability to counter attack. Upholding an 89% passing accuracy in his 11 games this season, Tavares rarely turns over cheap ball in the middle of the park and wins almost all of his aerial duels at 83%. The linchpin of Sydney’s midfield, Tavares easily accounted for Argentine playmaker, Marcelo Carrusca last week and will be looking to have the same negating effect on another of his South American counterparts on Sunday afternoon.
The second key match-up shows us exactly the kind of international pedigree the A-League has to offer. The equation is simple – if Tavares can keep Finkler quiet Sydney will go a long way to winning their third championship, but the Brazilian only needs one opportunity, whether it be from open play or the dead-ball, and Sydney could well pay the ultimate price.
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