With a notable lack of striking options in Adelaide United’s ranks, the Reds must acquire a new out-and-out finisher in order to realistically be considered a genuine title contender for next season.
Adelaide United have never really been known for boasting a prolific goalscorer that can consistently register double figures each season. However, former United striker Sergio van Dijk was an obvious exception as he managed 16 goals during the 2010-11 A-League campaign. Van Dijk’s prolific season is an anomaly for a club which usually shares its goalscoring load. Take the recent season as a perfect example. United’s top scorer in Pablo Sanchez finished with eight goals, while Marcelo Carrusca and Sergio Cirio both ended the season with seven. It was no different a season before when Fabio Ferreira netted nine and Jeronimo eight.
This ongoing problem is synonymous with the Reds and the issue will not subside until boss Josep Gombau decides to acquire another striker and consequently provide competition for incumbent front man Bruce Djite. The 28-year-old has been anything but productive in his time with the Reds and despite beginning the 2014-15 campaign with real promise, the once-Socceroo’s form abated as he failed to score in his last nine matches. Djite concluded the year with nine goals in all competitions, in which six derived from the league. A measly return for Adelaide’s main man entrusted to lead the attack.
However, the South Australian outfit’s destiny could indeed already be sealed for the forthcoming season if the club refuses to face the sheer reality the squad needs a natural number nine. In previous post-match press conferences, Gombau revealed he is content with his squad and was satisfied with Bruce Djite’s performances when questioned about his lack of goals.
“No he’s part of the team. Bruce [Djite] is doing a lot of work. People just see him as a striker and the need to score,” Gombau said after his side’s 4-1 trouncing of Melbourne City in April.
“It’s true, it’s one of his jobs but he’s doing a lot of jobs… but he’s recovering balls, he’s bringing other players into space.
“For me Djite is not just a goal scorer, for me Djite is player that tactically brings a lot to the team and I am satisfied with his job.”
This comes as little surprise given the Spaniard is trying to deflect criticism away from his target man. But it would be a complete farce if Gombau believes no attacking additions are required to transform a good side into an excellent one, capable of winning an inaugural A-League championship. If the Reds were to sign a genuine, proven striker, it would give Gombau’s men a legitimate chance of competing with heavyweights Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
It comes as no coincidence that the teams which possess a reliable talisman have a greater opportunity of winning silverware. Indeed, the Victory and the Sky Blues boast and boasted revered strikers Besart Berisha and Marc Janko respectively, who both netted double figures during the latest season. Adelaide should look no further as the evidence is palpable for all to see – sign a clinical striker and it will significantly improve the squad and its ability to win titles.
The Adelaide hierarchy needs to come to its senses and devise a plan identifying possible transfer targets. Jamie Maclaren is currently embattled in a legal dispute to leave Perth Glory following the club’s salary cap breaches. The Reds should capitalise on the situation as he would be an ideal fit to succeed the indifferent Djite. At just 21, Maclaren offers a fantastic work rate and has immense promise if given an extended run in the starting XI, demonstrated by his nine goals with the Glory last campaign.
Archie Thompson could be an unlikely alternative, as the veteran star forward is yet to put pen to paper with the Victory. The A-League’s all-time top goalscorer again showcased that age is just a number as he etched is name on the scoresheet on 10 occasions with many of his appearances off the bench. Undeniably, any successful move for the 36-year-old would be considered very much a short-term investment, but it may just prove a gamble worth taking.
Adelaide needs to address its frontline concerns, because without any changes this offseason from an attacking perspective, the Reds can essentially kiss its chances of winning en elusive A-League crown goodbye. Competition for spots should be perceived as a motivator, instead of a hindrance and it is just what the team from the city of churches necessitates in attack to be viewed as a title contender.
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kerem bulut is interesting too. five goals in nine games for wsw. ten goals in fourteen games for australia under 20s.