They are the players that can provide that bit of x-factor and are crucial to your club’s Hyundai A-League hopes. We look at six potential game-changers for season 2016/17.
Diego Castro (Perth Glory)
It took only one season for Castro to show how good he is, leading Glory to the finals and taking out the Johnny Warren Medal as the league’s best player.
The Spanish maestro is simply a special player! He adds something different to Glory’s attack, not just with his goals but clever movement and passing range.
Helps brings out the best in his teammates as well which should ensure Perth – who have the likes of Andy Keogh, Adam Taggart and Nebo Marinkovic in their line-up – will be hard to stop if Castro fires.
Morten Nordstrand (Newcastle Jets)
If the great Dane can have the same impact he had in the back half of last season, then the Jets are set for some big things this season.
Nordstrand only played 11 matches after moving to the Hunter in the back half of last season, but was a revelation scoring four goals to become an instant fan favourite.
Blessed with great close dribbling skills, pace and a winning mentality, Nordstrand could be the man to get the Jets into the finals after a six year absence.
Brett Holman (Brisbane Roar)
One of the best signings of the off-season, the Caltex Socceroo playmaker could be Brisbane’s x-factor in 2016/17.
Holman has that special ability to score goals from midfield, making excellent late runs into the box as well as packing a powerful shot.
In a side with plenty of attacking talent, the 32-year-old could be the last piece of the puzzle to help Roar go from contenders last campaign to clinching silverware this season.
Marco Rojas (Melbourne Victory)
The 24-year-old has that one commodity which instils fear into opposition defenders. Blinding speed.
Add his non-stop movement, ability to be run off the shoulder of his marker and get in the box at the right time plus his excellent finishing and Rojas is the complete package.
One of those rare players that can almost decide the outcome of a match on his own meaning Rojas looms as Victory’s main man in the upcoming season.
Marcelo Carrusca (Adelaide United)
Has probably been the Hyundai A-League’s best no.10 over the last few seasons, able to produce special things with his magical left foot.
Played a key role in the Reds’ title success last season, contributing five goals and four assists, while his flair and creativity was a joy to watch.
If Adelaide are to go back-to-back, Carrusca will need to be at his devastating best, especially with so many championship-winning stars no longer at the club.
Roly Bonevacia (Wellington Phoenix)
While the Nix have recruited the likes of Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses for the new season, Bonevacia’s drive and energy from midfielder will be key if they are to improve this season.
The Dutchman scored some incredible long-range goals last season – underlining his quality – but didn’t produce often enough.
If he can find some consistency and show that type of touch on a weekly basis, the Phoenix are sure to be the big improvers in Season 12.
