Who starred for their respective teams in Round 12? We’ve crunched the Opta Data to pick out the best performing players across the league.
Based on a range of metrics provided by the Hyundai A-League’s official data provider, here’s the standout players from the Christmas period’s action.
GOALKEEPER
Paul Izzo (Adelaide United)
The ex-Mariner denied his former club with a joint-round-high five saves, including two from outside the box. Izzo kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win on Boxing Day.
DEFENDERS
Johnny Koutroumbis (Newcastle Jets)
The youngster made a game-high four tackls attempts, contested 10 duels, and found a goal with his only shot on target in the rout of the Wanderers.
Thomas Deng (Melbourne Victory)
Deng had two tackles, won six of the 11 duels he contested and had a passing accuracy of 86% from his 44 passes in Victory’s 1-0 Melbourne Derby success.
Ivan Vujica (Newcastle Jets)
The left-back had two shots on target, the most of any defender for the round. Vujica also won five of the nine duels he contested and made 31 passes with a 77% accuracy.
Bart Schenkeveld (Melbourne City)
How good has this guy been! He made a joint-round-high eight clearances in the late loss to Victory, while winning 11 out of 13 duels contested.
MIDFIELDERS
Ryan Kitto (Adelaide United)
Not only did Kitto score the only goal in the win over Central Coast, he also had three shots on target – the second most of any player – and attempted five dribbles in a classy display
Adrian Mierzejewski (Sydney FC)
The Polish international contested a game-high 17 duels, scored a goal, had an assist and made 52 passes in another eye-catching performance in the Sky Blues 4-1 demolition of Wellington.
Osama Malik (Melbourne City)
The combative midfielder won nine of 13 duels contested, won four fouls, and finished with 33 total passes against Victory.
Diego Castro (Perth Glory)
The Spaniard was the catalyst behind Glory’s late win over Roar. He completed four dribbles – more than any other player – assisted Andy Keogh’s equaliser before scoring the winner himself.
ATTACKERS
Bobo (Sydney FC)
The brilliant Brazilian had three shots on goal – scoring with each – assisted another goal and he contested 10 duels.
Massimo Maccarone (Brisbane Roar)
While he was ultimately in a beaten side, Maccarone attempted four dribbles (joint-second-most in the game), scored a goal and created two scoring chances against Glory.
