Both Sydney teams – and some of the rivals – need to focus on finding a creative expert with the flair of Daniel Penha, writes Tom Smithies.
In a Sydney derby contest of grit and frustrated endeavour on Saturday night, two moments spoke volumes about what success can look like – for the two protagonists, and for the rest of the teams in the A-League.
Of the five goals that punctuated a game which well reflected where these teams are at in terms of form, three were reactive or the consequence of poor defending. But two were the perfect illustration of how the vision of a playmaker can lift a side out of the weekly arm wrestles that many contests become.
The fact they were the decisive goals for Sydney FC underlined their value, and produced a 3-2 win that may prove to be something of a turning point for the Sky Blues in terms of their season.
Both were scored by Trent Buhagiar, and while the first contained an element of fortune in the deflection that landed the ball at his feet just metres from goal, the real genesis was Milos Ninkovic’s ability to steal in from his left-sided role and find a pocket of space. The Serb’s instant turn and run with the ball pulled Western Sydney’s defensive structures apart, and Ninkovic was able to slip in Kosta Barbarouses for the cross which led to Buhagiar’s chance.
The second was the result of a piece of artistry created by Paulo Retre, not often a name associated with vision like the way he carried the ball from his own box to nearly halfway before essaying a perfect pass into the run of Buhagiar. The forward’s cute turn and finish were noteworthy too, but after so much shadow boxing it was exciting to see a moment of actual inspiration like that of Retre.
In fact it’s the lack of consistent creativity like that which has hobbled both Sydney teams’ seasons so far, and needs urgently to inform their planning for next year. For Sydney FC, Ninkovic’s influence is waning at 37, Max Burgess flitters elegantly around the edges of a game, and Anthony Cacares still looks more comfortable in a deeper role than No 10.
Western Sydney have players who have excelled in a creative role in the past, notably Dimi Petratos and James Troisi – in particular in teams who played instinctively forward at pace. So far Mark Rudan hasn’t found the combination to reignite that potential and build instinctive understanding among his forward line; in part because it changes so frequently while he tests different combinations.
All of which explains why across the league, players with vision are almost as valuable as players who score. Daniel Penha is a key reason why Newcastle are so watchable, and his 10 assists so far this season underline why you imagine other clubs will circle for the Brazilian next season. Jets boss Arthur Papas used data software to assess Penha’s ability in the Brazilian second division, but you never really know how a player will settle.
That’s why Macarthur threw resources at luring Ulises Davila from Wellington Phoenix, as a proven playmaker. On Sunday the Mexican added another take to his A-League highlights reel with a mesmerising run and pass to set up Al-Hassan Toure’s goal against Perth.
Nor does creativity have to come festooned with the flourishes and party pieces of a player like Penha (captivating though they are). You can see how Jason Cummings and Marcos Urena enjoy playing together at the Mariners, two clever players attuned to a perceptive wavelength and creating chances for each other.
But a true No 10 brings so much more to a team than just individual chances. A genius like Alessando Diamanti plays a major role in setting his team’s tempo and managing a game, encouraging possession and ball retention.
Ninkovic in his prime was key to that for Sydney but occupies a supporting role now. What his team needs – and many of their rivals too – is the new Ninkovic, the maestro who revels in dictating things. Easier said than done, of course, but Penha’s acquisition shows what smart recruiting can uncover – and set the hearts racing of supporters and neutrals alike.
