Liberty Next Gen Tracker: Mariners defender soars to top of rankings after brilliant December

The latest batch of votes have been counted up for the Liberty Next Gen tracker as we keep tabs on the ones to watch aged 21 or under!

In both the Isuzu UTE A-League and Liberty A-League this year, we’re keeping tabs on the Next Gen Tracker, ranking the top five players who were 21 or under at the start of the season every month.

Here’s the five selections from the Isuzu UTE A-League for this month.

1 vote – Jake Girdwood-Reich (Sydney FC)

Sydney FC racked up three wins during the month of December and Jake Girdwood-Reich played an important role in all of them.

Despite nominally being a number six and tasked with providing the defensive steel to compliment Luke Brattan’s creativity, Girdwood-Reich has often found himself playing in the heart of Sydney’s defence and has impressed whilst covering for the injured Jack Rodwell.

The 19-year-old has featured in all 13 matches for the Sky Blues this season and, according to Opta data, leads the way when it comes to winning possession of the ball in the final third whilst also boasting impressive numbers with regards to duels won (61), interceptions (22) and recoveries (67).

2 votes – Clayton Taylor (Newcastle Jets)

After securing three votes in the last round of voting, Newcastle’s Clayton Taylor has added two more to his tally.

Taylor featured in all five of the Jet’s matches in December, adding two goals to his total for the season which now stands at four.

The 19-year-old has really impressed since moving to the Hunter, so much so there’s now rumoured overseas interest in him already, and it’s easy to see why given his attacking contributions to a young Newcastle side.

Taylor shone for the Jets as they swept league-leaders Wellington Phoenix aside in early December and statistically he’s up there with the best in the league when it comes to successful dribbles (26), providing a constant attacking threat for Rob Stanton’s side.

3 votes – Alex Paulsen (Wellington Phoenix)

Given his excellent start to the season it’s no surprise to see Wellington’s Alex Paulsen recognised once again for his fine form.

The 21-year-old has been an ever-present for the ‘Nix this season, starting all of their matches, and has been a key component of the side which sits top of the Isuzu UTE A-League after 13 rounds.

Along with Western Sydney’s Lawrence Thomas, Paulsen has kept the most clean sheets (5) in the league, has a higher save percentage (78.9%) than any other keeper, has prevented more goals (7.4) than anyone else and leads the way when it comes to ‘high claims’ (21) according to Opta data.

4 votes – Benjamin Mazzeo (Melbourne City)

Awarded four votes for his performances over the last month is Melbourne City’s Ben Mazzeo.

Having recently signed his first senior contract with the club, it’s easy to see why City were keen to tie their talented young winger down to a long-term deal.

Scoring in wins against Newcastle and Brisbane respectively, Mazzeo has impressed as both starter and substitute and has proved to be a reliable weapon for Aurelio Vidmar to call upon, especially given the absences of both Mathew Leckie and Marin Jakolis due to injury.

5 votes – Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners)

The Mariners extended their unbeaten streak to nine league matches following their 2-1 win over Melbourne City and Jacob Farrell has been an integral part of that run.

Farrell had a hand in both of the Mariners’ goals in that win over City and that’s no fluke given the role he performs for Mark Jackson’s side.

Whilst often seen flying forward to add numbers to his side’s attacks, it’s defensively where Farrell exceeds – leading the league when it comes to interceptions per 90 minutes (2.9) and it’s his ability to read the game so well which then helps his team break forward.