Western Sydney Wanderers’ Number 9 Conundrum

Western Sydney Wanderers’ Number 9 Conundrum

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As the Western Sydney Wanderers gear up for a home semi-final against Brisbane Roar on Sunday, head coach Tony Popovic must decide which striker he can rely upon to lead the line.

Will it be the in-form Brendan Santalab, or the reliable Mark Bridge?

Reliable sharp shooters are worth their weight in gold and in the age of marquees, the Wanderers have looked on while other clubs recruit strikers with the ability to win games off their own boot.

With the premiers plate and Asian Champions League crowns resting in the trophy cabinet, the Wanderers have exceeded expectations this season without a definitive number 9. The likes of Mark Bridge, Brendan Santalab, Mitch Nichols and Dario Vidosic have shared the burden of finding the net and up until now, the cracks have well and surely been papered over.

An A-League triumph is the one feat that has eluded the Wanderers. It can be no surprise that the lack of a genuine marksman is the missing piece of the puzzle. Mark Bridge scored 11 goals in the Wanderers’ maiden campaign season, Tomi Juric with eight in 2013-14, Kerem Bulut with five in 2014-15 and Mitch Nichols reaching double figures with 10 this season.

While Bruno Fornaroli, a shining example of a marquee signing done right, has bicycle kicked his way to 25 goals in 28 appearances, Popovic’s intended superstar Federico Piovaccari’s output rests on the other end of the spectrum. With experience in the Serie A and La Liga, Piovaccari had the CV to be a success in the A-League, but with Spaniards Dimas and Andreu picking up the visa slack, the manager has reverted to stalwarts Bridge and Santalab.

Neither footballer has the pace of Harry Novillo, the skill of Fornaroli or natural ability of Alessandro Del Piero, but with a well-rounded skill set, both are very dangerous players in their own right.

True to the Wanderers ethic, what is lacked in class is made up for in application. Defenders are harassed in possession, positions are played diligently and the difference between their worst and best efforts is the slimmest margin in the league.

The club has well and truly recovered after a sapping 2014-15 campaign, rediscovering a stringy defence and versatile midfield that limits opposition chances while pouncing on the few they create. In this environment, Bridge and Santalab don’t have to put in man-of-the-match performances, instead playing their role to a tea and letting the cards fall into place.

This absence of a star striker is a problem that is sure to be addressed in the off-season. Piovaccari will be moved on and the cap space will be available to acquire a marquee that can emulate the likes of Besart Berisha and Fornaroli.

However, Sunday’s semi-final represents an immediate challenge. John Aloisi surprised many pundits in 2015-16 by reinvigorating an ageing squad comfortable with success, adding some fresh faces to finish just short of top spot. In Jamie McLaren, the Roar snatched the striker from under Perth Glory’s nose and with it, a devastating focal point.

Popovic will back his team to frustrate the visitors. The 2-0 victory away to the Wellington Phoenix in round 27 was classic Wanderers, with Santalab bagging a brace before seeing the game void of incident. Getting the job done is the coach’s ultimate prerogative, regardless of the aesthetics.

This is not to say Popovic’s do not play an eye-catching style of football. Andreu and Dimas are at their best putting their foot on the ball and dictating tempo, utilising the creativity of Nichols, Vidosic and Castelen to great effect.

But don’t believe for a minute this outfit isn’t still built on the tough bricks and mortar laid down in 2012-13. The combination makes for a delicious mix of expression and industry. The iron fist in the velvet glove if you will.

Conclusion

For all his tactical tinkering and flexibility, Popovic should give Santalab the nod. The striker has grown weary of the “super sub” tag and if recent performances are any indication, Brisbane’s defence will have their hands full.

Limited options put a premium on players in form, and the pressure is on Santalab to further bolster his claim to be the best option to lead the line for the Wanderers.

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