A Scottish icon called this young Aussie ‘a coach’s dream’. He’s now showing why

Thomas Aquilina continues to be a shining light for Newcastle Jets in 2024-25. aleagues.com.au looks at the numbers behind the exciting Australian full-back’s season so far.

The Isuzu UTE A-League has been a breeding ground for talent in recent seasons and Thomas Aquilina is proof of that.

The 23-year-old’s development since debuting in 2020-21 has seen the him emerge as one of the most exciting full-backs in the competition. His performances this season alone have him standing out among the crowd.

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They’re the kind of numbers that could have Aquilina – who was endorsed for a UK move less than two years ago – in the mix for a maiden Subway Socceroos call-up as Tony Popovic gears up for March’s FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers.

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While the youthful Jets struggle for consistency in a bid to return to the Finals Series for the first time since 2017-18, Aquilina has been a shining light. With pace to burn, a delightful right foot, an eye for goal and the ability to play on the right or left, the Australian youth international is tied with Central Coast Mariners star Mikael Doka for the most goals/assists (six) among defenders this season.

Aquilina, who joined the Jets from F3 rivals the Mariners in 2023, is only second to Doka for assists (four) while he is also equal third for goals scored (two) in 2024-25.

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The Western Sydney Wanderers product is a constant threat in attack and a regular source of chances created in which he ranks ninth (13). Among defenders, he is second for opposition half take-ons (32) and second for expected goals (2.03). He also tops the list for xG from open play (1.97).

But it’s not just his attacking ability that is catching the eye; Aquilina is seventh for possession won in the middle third (24) and is in the top 10 for possession won (53) and recoveries (53).

“He was only 19 when I worked with him and he was the best we had,” Scotland legend Kenny Miller, who worked with Aquilina at Western Sydney during his time as a Wanderers assistant, told Football Scotland midway through 2023. “His fitness and his speed.

“He was a brilliant boy, keen to learn and good to work with, so we put him in. He could play right wing-back and left and he came in and smashed it.

“He played a lot of games that first year we were there, he’s moved onto Newcastle and I really thought the type of player he is, he would really suit our game. He could play the England game as well. And he’s always been keen to make that step.

“He would be coming in to me with his clips on the Monday after the game. He’d have questions, should he stay, should he be further inside, higher up, he was leading his own analysis! He was a joy to work with.

“Had I come back from Australia and I got a job here, I’d have signed him. Honestly, being honest when I tried to get the Falkirk job at the end of the season when Martin (Rennie) had left, I made contact with Tommy to come across. But he’s way better than Scottish League One.”

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This is a player who has grown before our eyes since debuting with hometown club the Wanderers in 2020.

Among defenders aged 23 or under since 2020-21, no player has supplied more assists than Aquilina (11), nor have they managed more goals/assists than him (13).

Second for games played (91), third for games started (69) and minutes played (6,250), Aquilina’s 173 touches in the opposition box have him ranked first, while he is second for successful open-play crosses (34) and third for dribbles completed (62).

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“He’s rapid, so quick,” Miller said previously. “He’s powerful and robust and has never really got injured. He’s aggressive in his one v one duels and he’s always looking at his positioning.

“He’s a perfectionist so is always looking on the feedback to improve. He’s a coach’s dream in that regard.”

Former Scotland international Miller, who was speaking amid Aquilina’s links to the Scottish Premiership at the time, said: “If he’s given an opportunity here I think he’ll flourish, as I say he’d have been one of the top names on my list.

“I’ve seen certain players come into our league and Tommy would definitely be at least on a par with these guys. I think, at this moment, any club outside of the Old Firm in the Premiership would be his level. He’d definitely be a name I’d recommend quite confidently.

“It’s not just about the abilities it’s the potential. And it’s the value for money, there’s no risk. He won’t let you down and it’s not going to cost an arm and a leg.

“…It’s about opportunity but having worked with the lad, he can take that chance.”