Alexander Baumjohann has only been in the Hyundai A-League for a matter of months.
But his showings for Western Sydney Wanderers have been so breathtaking thus far that his name is being thrown in among a pantheon of Hyundai A-League playmaking royalty.
Exhibit A: The Wanderers 2-0 win over Central Coast Mariners on Friday night.
There were shades of club great Shinji Ono as the German scampered across Spotless Stadium, bewildering the visitors defence.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Hyundai A-League Round 7
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Has Alexander Baumjohann made the pass of the season?
Take a look at the best of the slick passing from Friday night's match ?
?: @FOXFOOTBALL#ALeague #WSWvCCM pic.twitter.com/x0AwNuTu05
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) December 8, 2018
Alex Baumjohann is the most consistently brilliant passer the @ALeague has ever seen! #justsayin #WSWvCCM
— Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) December 7, 2018
Throughout his tenure in Australia, the former Bayern Munich and Schalke talent has had the ball on a string.
He showcased every pass in his sizable locker against the Mariners, the highlight being an audacious backheel flick for Jaushua Sotirio.
With Baumjohann in this kind of form, Sydney FC should be on red alert ahead of this Saturday’s Derby.
The German has bewitched every defence he’s come up against so far, and if his teammates can pounce on his top-class service he might be instrumental in swinging the balance of power back in favour of the Red and Black.
Very important win tonight! Thanks for the amazing support! ?⚫️ pic.twitter.com/XNYrgji02d
— Alexander Baumjohann (@AlexBaumjohann) December 7, 2018
Taylor inspires shock of the Hyundai A-League season
Steven Taylor truly made his mark on Australian football this weekend.
The former Premier League veteran was everywhere in Phoenix’s shock 3-1 win over Sydney FC.
He added the visitors’ third with a fantastic looping header, cleared an Alex Brosque effort off the line in the second half and then ousted the Sydney FC skipper in a fierce physical duel by the touchline.
It was one of the most famous days for Wellington in the club’s recent memory and, with Taylor at the heart of such displays, the Kiwis look capable of doing anything.
REPORT: Krishna masterclass inspires Phoenix win
ANALYSIS: Rudan returns to haunt former club
First @ALeague Goal ✅
A clearance off the line ✅
Guttural roar after winning a 50/50 ✅Steven Taylor was everywhere for @WgtnPhoenixFC!
? @FOXFOOTBALL #ALeague #WhereHeroesAreMade pic.twitter.com/Gbdxs9qQAZ— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) December 9, 2018
Krishna’s big week crowned in style
Like his Phoenix teammate, Krishna emerged from Wellington’s heroic upset with huge plaudits.
The striker capped a sensational week, where he became the Phoenix’s all-time leading scorer and gained New Zealand citizenship, by firing in a classy opening half double to put Sydney FC to the sword.
With that, the Wellington hot shot has now scored four Hyundai A-League goals this season, equalling his tally in the competition for last campaign.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5977089526001
Hyundai A-League droughts broken in Newcastle
Brazilian striker Jair has endured a torrid time in front of goal in recent times, but the former K-League marksman is up and running in the Hyundai A-League.
Jair’s second half strike against Brisbane Roar was the 30-year-old’s first goal since September 2017, and his relief was clear for all to see.
Kaine Sheppard also broke his Hyundai A-League duck and showed why Ernie Merrick was so intent on bringing the FFA Cup 2018 star to the Hunter Valley.
Sheppard opened his Hyundai A-League account with a lovely deft finish, and pushes the Jets back into the top six.
REPORT: Sheppard, Jair hit first Hyundai A-League goals as Jets see off Roar
ANALYSIS: Sheppard’s timely Jets strike fulfils prophetic Merrick prediction
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5977276963001
Baccus helps Wanderers bounce back
From promising local talent, youth team captain, first team regular and now Hyundai A-League goalscorer – what a moment for Keanu Baccus.
The Kings Park native fired in his first Hyundai A-League effort to kick-start the Wanderers’ 2-0 win over the Mariners on Friday.
A fearless, ever-willing competitor and mature midfield presence, that goal was 24 matches in the making, and crystallises Baccus’ standing as a key man for Markus Babbel’s side.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5976720060001
Toivonen’s Adelaide display an ominous sign
There’s no doubt about the impact Ola Toivonen is having on Melbourne Victory.
The big Swede fired in his second Hyundai A-League goal to help Victory to a 2-0 triumph over Adelaide United on Saturday night, and seal the team’s fifth win on the bounce.
Toivonen is averaging a goal or assist every 63.5 minutes so far to begin his Hyundai A-League career – a hugely positive sign for Victory’s title contenders.
REPORT: Toivonen and Barbarouses terrorise Adelaide
ANALYSIS: Swedish import shows his class in Victory win
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5977287310001
Adelaide youngster makes Reds debut
Carlo Armiento became the seventh Young Reds player to step up to the senior side under youth team coach Paul Pezos when he signed a scholarship contract last month.
Against Victory, the Adelaide boy’s dream came true thanks to a late substitute cameo.
