Some superb displays from a host of players during round 12 of the Hyundai A-League. Here’s the Team of the Week. What do you think?
KEEPER
Lawrence Thomas (Victory)
Made two important saves to keep scores level in the second half of the Melbourne Derby and otherwise commanded his area confidently.
DEFENDERS
Michael Zullo (Sydney FC)
Essential to Sydney’s fast start against Phoenix, providing the assist for the opener and a pass in the lead-up to the second.
Thomas Deng (Victory)
A composed, mature performance from the young defender as he and Rhys Williams kept City in check in Victory’s late, late Derby win.
Nathaniel Atkinson (City)
It’s no coincidence that Leroy George had perhaps his quietest match as a Victory player in coming up against City’s young star, who did much more than just hold his own amid a white-hot derby atmosphere.
MIDFIELDERS
Adrian Mierzejewski (Sydney FC)
The predatory Pole showed he can certainly play in the same team as Milos Ninkovic with a goal, two assists and all-round excellent performance on Saturday in Wellington.
Matias Sanchez (Victory)
Held his starting place ahead of the returning Mark Milligan and didn’t disappoint. The key factor in Victory winning the midfield battle against City at AAMI Park.
Isaias (Reds)
Central Coast could hardly find a way past him at Coopers Stadium. The Spaniard recovered possession twice as many times as any of his teammates in keeping Adelaide United glued together on Boxing Day.
Steven Ugarkovic (Jets)
The 23-year-old ran the midfield, out-working and outplaying a woeful Wanderers with a masterclass from centre mid. Gave Wanderers pair Roly Bonevacia and Keanu Baccus a night they’ll not want to remember.
ATTACKERS
Bobo (Sydney FC)
Three goals – in a perfect hat-trick – in Wellington and an assist to boot as the Sky Blues flexed their muscles and eased past Phoenix. What more can you want from a striker?
Dimi Petratos (Jets)
Best player on the park. Surely a Socceroos call-up will come in 2018?
Diego Castro (Glory)
How much better are Glory with a fit and firing Castro! The special Spaniard has started the last two games after returning from injury and – no surprise – Perth have won both. Not only scored the winner against Roar but set up Andy Keogh’s equaliser with some individual brilliance.
MANAGER OF THE ROUND: Ernie Merrick (Jets)
Merrick has Newcastle playing confident, exciting and attacking football and it’s a joy to watch.
Even with a couple of attacking stars on the sidelines through injury, the Wanderers had no answer to the Jets’ full-throttle style.
The Scotsman has fans believing the glory days could be about to return to the Hunter!
