E-League Season Two kicked off last night with a Hyundai A-League exhibition round seeing the competitors showcase the best talent each club has to offer.
Although the round did not count to the official competition points, it gave the viewers, fans and competitors alike, a chance to preview some of the Hyundai A-League players that will be featuring in the players squads for the next nine weeks of competition.
Each competitor will be able to select up to eight current footballers from the top leagues around the world including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and David De Gea, along with selecting three players from the Hyundai A-League club that they are representing.
So who are the Hyundai A-League players to look out for this upcoming E-League season?
Keisuke Honda – Melbourne Victory
It’s no doubt that the Melbourne Victory’s Japanese marquee is one of the players to watch this E-League season. His talents on the football pitch has earnt him a 78 rating from EA Sports making him the highest rated Hyundai A-League player in FIFA 19 with a 81 dribbling and 80 passing rate on his FIFA Ultimate Team card, he will certainly be able to provide quality balls to the strikers cutting in from the right wing.
.@kskgroup2017 scores his first goal in the @ELeagueAus! What a goal it was 🔥 #MelbDerby #ELeague
本田圭介がEリーグ初ゴールを決めた！ pic.twitter.com/CBhvKdg7nt
— E-League (@ELeagueAus) February 21, 2019
Roy Krishna – Wellington Phoenix
The flying Fijian is currently enjoying career best goal scoring figures for a Wellington Phoenix side rejuvenated by Mark Rudan earning him a 72 rating from EA Sports in FIFA 19. As the third fastest player in the league with 91 pace on his FIFA Ultimate Team card, Krishna offers plenty for opposing defences to deal with, so look for his name to be appearing on the scoresheet more often than not.
FULL TIME | 👏 It's all over here in Round 1 of the @ELeagueAus as @OmerCenk7 and @Justmanutd12 pull it out the bag and secure the aggregate win over @SydneyFC. Fantastic performance team!@PlayStation | Omer won 3-0@Xbox | Justin won 5-2#StandUpWithYourNix #CreateHistory pic.twitter.com/QEHnsVvTGQ
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) February 21, 2019
Brandon O’Neill – Sydney FC
It was once said that ‘offence sells tickets, defence wins championships’ and that saying cannot be truer with Sydney FC’s Brandon O’Neill. The central defensive midfielder regularly features in Steve Corica’s side during the Hyundai A-League earning himself a FIFA Ultimate Team rating of 68. Look for Brandon O’Neill to provide a vital role in the heart of midfield breaking up opposition’s attacks and keeping the Sydney FC defence secure as they look for back to back premierships this season.
Craig Goodwin – Adelaide United
Adelaide United’s Craig Goodwin has certainly impressed in his second stint with the club and deservedly received a 66 rating from EA Sports. The left winger has shown his goal scoring talents not only in front of net, but from dead ball situations with a deadly left foot has left many goalkeepers questioning the positioning of their defensive wall. With 77 pace and 68 dribbling, expect Craig Goodwin getting up the left wing and swinging in pin point crosses to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe.
GG’s to @varley_97 and @NewcastleJetsFC in the A-League H2H exhibition round. Props to Liz for proving the haters wrong, great advocate for women in gaming 👏🎮 pic.twitter.com/Qxo7kS3JpV
— JAMODO (@JamieODoherty) February 21, 2019
Diego Castro – Perth Glory
The Spanish central attacking midfielder has played a key part in Perth Glory’s season thus far, earning himself a 75 rating from EA Sports. His ability on the ball to get out of tight spaces and create space for himself and his teammates has certainly provided many highlights this season in what has been a very dominant Perth Glory team. Fans of football should definitely keep an eye out for Diego Castro, and with his 4-star skill rating, potentially even a ‘La Croqueta’ skill move that was made famous by fellow Spaniard Andres Iniesta.
Dimitri Petratos – Newcastle Jets
On the rise in recent seasons, Dimi Petratos has showcased his many talents both on and off the ball with his pace and ability to shoot from anywhere inside 30 yards which has seen himself earn a 71 rating from EA Sports. With 82 pace, 71 dribbling and 70 shooting, Petratos provides a versatile attacking option that allows the Jet’s E-League representatives to play him both centrally and on the wing.
WOW! @varley_97 defeats @JamieODoherty on her @ELeagueAus debut with a last minute winner 😱😱😱
Watch all the goals! #ELeague pic.twitter.com/KfVji70GdM
— E-League (@ELeagueAus) February 21, 2019
Other notable mentions include –
Terry Antonis – Melbourne Victory
Michael Zullo – Sydney FC
Storm Roux – Melbourne Victory
Jack Hingert – Brisbane Roar
Jamie Maclaren – Melbourne City
Luke Brattan – Melbourne City
Joshua Risdon – Western Sydney Wanderers
Watch E-League Round 1 live from 8pm (AEDT) on Thursday on Fox Sports 505 or live on twitch from the official E-League Twitch channel.
