Both these excellent defensive players could have a big impact for their new clubs this term.
As the Hyundai A-League season races ever closer, this week we-re looking at some of the key signings who could have a big impact for their clubs and on the closest title race yet. Today, two defensive players who could make a difference for their new clubs this term.
4. Ante Covic
Having had played for two A-League clubs previously (Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory) Covic has a wealth of experience to bring to the newly formed Western Sydney Wanderers from his time both at home and overseas.
Covic also represented Australia on occasions in the past and was a member of the squad that travelled to Germany for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Last season with Victory saw him in excellent form, and despite Melbourne Victory-s poor performances, Covic was a standout, winning the Victory Medal for best player of the season. That wasn-t enough, however, to convince incoming coach Ange Postecoglou.
But Victory-s loss is the Wanderers gain, and with so many young and new players, Tony Popovic certainly needs an experienced head at the back who provides leadership to those around him and help the club succeed.
A noted shot-stopper and a massive aerial presence Covic is the man who will be standing between the Wanderers and what could be a tough early learning curve. And as the saying goes, attacks win games, defences win titles.
3. Adama Traore
Adama Traore burst on to the scene in 2009 at Gold Coast United as an exciting left-sided defender and quickly earned a reputation for being an old-school wingback, unafraid to push up the park and then make his way back quickly.
But it was in 2010 and 2011 that he really made his mark on the competition by beginning to find the net as well as be a resolute defender and a great crosser of the ball.
Genuine left-backs are hard to come by, and Traore also boasts bags of pace and a willingness to attack throughout the game, which should fit in well with the style of new coach Ange Postecoglou, where he will be expected to push forward during quick transitions from defence to attack, and overlap with the midfielders to create space and passing options.
Energy, ability and versatility – it-s easy to see why Traore will fit so well into Postecoglou-s plans.
