Today we take a look at two strikers at very different stages of their careers and make a case as to why each could be in the All Stars team.
With voting for the Foxtel A-League All Stars team to face Manchester United due to close on 30 April, who do you think should be on the team on 24 July?
Let-s look at some of the players on the fringes of the squad, vying for a position to face the 20-times Premier League champions. Today, it-s two strikers who are at very different stages of their careers. One could be heading to Europe, while the other has recently come home from a stint in Asia.
Joel Griffiths
The word that comes to mind when you think of Sydney FC-s well-travelled striker is professional and that could be exactly what the All Stars need when they take on the Red Devils.
Griffiths may not always get the accolades when Sydney FC win, but he-s a true poacher in front of goal and though you-d hardly call him as prolific as former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy he does know how to find the net.
A former Hyundai A-League Golden Boot and Johnny Warren Medal winner there is little doubt that Griffiths has the goal-scoring potential to trouble Man United and with his on-pitch aggression it-s obvious he won-t take a backward step to the likes of Nemanja Vidic.
Griffiths also already has a combination going with teammate and the likely centre-piece of the All Stars Alessandro del Piero and that more than anything else, times with his ability to pop up when most needed could be enough reason to put him in your team.
Bernie Ibini-Isei
Danny McBreen was the breakout story as far as Central Coast strikers go this season, but Ibini also had his best season yet for Graham Arnold-s side and he wouldn-t look out of place in the All Stars.
Everyone knows Ibini has pace to burn and in that sense he can prove to be a real handful for any side, but throughout the season he improved in almost every other area of his game, his finishing and decision-making being the keys.
So much of this game should be about showcasing some of the league-s most exciting young talent and giving them a leg-up into Europe and if anyone can benefit from that Ibini can.
Having already trialled and impressed in doing so with Club Brugge in Belgium it might just be a matter of time before Ibini heads to the continent and he has plenty of strength to go with his pace, the one thing he needs to do more of is score goals. Seven in a full season isn-t really enough, but his flair makes him an exciting prospect and he would not be out of place in the All Stars- line-up.
Voting for the Foxtel A-League All Stars closes on 30 April, so click here to pick your team and have your say.
