CommBank Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni has been urged to start Melbourne City star Holly McNamara in this week’s international friendly series against Korea Republic.
McNamara has been a shining light in the Ninja A-League since her return from an ACL tear, helping City soar toward an “invincible” regular season and the Premiers Plate – but the 22-year-old’s attention will briefly shift from City’s tilt at a trophy treble to the national team this week.
McNamara is one of six Ninja A-League players in the Matildas squad set to face Korea Republic in Sydney on Friday night, and Newcastle on Monday, April 7.
The City winger has scored 12 goals in just 15 Ninja A-League appearances this season, having missed the opening rounds of the season whilst recovering from the third ACL tear of her career.
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In analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Matildas squad selected for duty in the current international window, A-Leagues commentator Pellizzeri and Sydney FC legend Teresa Polias identified McNamara as a player who must start against Korea Republic, whether that be as a central striker or a winger on this week’s episode of Dub Zone.
“I’d like to see another start for Holly, I think she’s earned that,” Polias said.
“Personnel-wise I think she would slot in really well. Whether it be centrally or out wide I think that’s going to be based on who else is out there.”
“You have two things Holly McNamara can do at an elite level: break into open space and run with the ball, and also her close-range finishing,” Pellizzeri added. “And that is specific to the two different positions.
“She’s so instinctive… in the penalty area, the instinct to know when to shoot. But breaking into open space is what thrills a crowd, and I think Holly McNamara in front of full stadiums is going to be so exciting.
“If they can set her up, whether it’s on the left or the right wing, to play her into open space and have her run into open space, if that’s one-on-one with a defender or on an unguarded wing, they need to set up that scenario as often as possible.”
McNamara has been nominated for the March Ninja A-League Shark Player of the Month award after an exceptional month; cast your vote below!
March nominees for Shark Player of the Month, Ninja A-League: Vote TODAY!
