Ethan Alagich is another graduate of Adelaide United’s famed production line. The son of a gun has established himself as a key part of the club’s quest for silverware despite his young age. aleagues.com.au looks at the numbers behind the 21-year-old.
Adelaide United have Golden Boot contender Archie Goodwin, a potential Socceroo in Panagiotis Kikianis and English star Zach Clough, but don’t sleep on Ethan Alagich.
The son of a gun, who has been called up by Australia’s Under-23 side for this month’s Doha International Cup, is an important piece of the Adelaide jigsaw in their title quest.
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“From what I have seen, Ethan Alagich is a remarkable talent with a bright future ahead of him,” said head of football Marius Zanin at the time of his re-signing in August.
“His dedication and work ethic is evident in his performances.
“We are excited to have him with us for the next five years and look forward to his continued growth and contributions to the team.”
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The proof is also in the numbers.
Alagich, the son of Reds legend Richie and another graduate of the club’s famed production line, is leading the way at Coopers Stadium.
Among his Reds teammates this season, the Australian youthful international is first for possession won (114), possession won mid third (61), interceptions (26), tackles won (24), duels (198), duels won (112) and recoveries (114).
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Across the Isuzu UTE A-League among midfielders, Alagich – who scored a dream winning goal against rivals Melbourne Victory in the Original Rivalry earlier this season – continues to shine.
The 21-year-old is third for interceptions and in the top five for recoveries (fourth), possession (fourth) and duels won (fifth).
What is perhaps most impressive about that is not only the numbers and where he ranks, but his age. For recoveries and duels won, he is the youngest behind the likes of Brisbane Roar captain Jay O’Shea, Macarthur Bulls and Socceroos midfielder Luke Brattan, Sydney FC star Leo Sena, Auckland FC’s Louis Verstraete and Angus Thurgate of Western United.
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If you focus in on midfielders aged 21 or younger in the competition, Alagich really stands out.
The academy graduate leads the way in duels won, recoveries and possession won – further showcasing his ball-winning ability in midfield.
There is another area where Alagich reigns supreme – carrying the ball box-to-box.
He ranks no.1 for total carries (253), total carry distance (2,397.48), total carry progress (1,068.2) and carry directness (98.5). Not to mention the fact he has the third-most goals (two) behind Jed Drew (who has since moved to Austria) and Western United’s Matthew Grimaldi.
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“If he continues to work hard and stay focused, I have no doubt he will achieve great things with Adelaide United,” Zanin said previously.
