A host of players caught the eye in Round 16 of the Hyundai A-League but who were the standouts in each position?
Thanks to Opta Data we’ve crunched the numbers 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 are the standout players from Round 16.
GOALKEEPER
Vedran Janjetovic (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Was the main reason his side came away with a point from Wellington. Janjetovic made a round-high six saves and finished with more passes (53) than any other goalkeeper.
DEFENDERS
Daniel Georgievski (Newcastle Jets)
The Macedonian international made four clearances, 32 passes and won more than 50% of his one-on-one duels. Would have scored one of the goals of the round also if not for a great Jamie Young save.
Brendon Hamill (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Despite copping a late red card, Hamill was superb deputising for suspended skipper Robbie Cornthwaite. He created three scoring chances from centre-back – the equal most of any defender – and made five clearances.
Bart Schenkeveld (Melbourne City)
The Dutchman’s excellent season continued in the draw with the Mariners, finishing with a passing accuracy of 94%, the best of any player to make more than 20 passes.
Ivan Vujica (Newcastle Jets)
The often underrated youngster finished with an 80% duel success rate, also making one interception and firing off one shot at goal.
MIDFIELDERS
Leroy George (Melbourne Victory)
What a performance from the Dutch winger. George created six scoring chances – including three assists – made a round-high 13 crosses and had four shots at goal.
Steven Ugarkovic (Newcastle Jets)
Ugarkovic continues to thrive under Ernie Merrick, creating a game-high four scoring chances and made 46 passes in the win over Roar.
Marcin Budzinski (Melbourne City)
A pretty good impact from the marquee substitute. Budzinski scored a cracking equaliser from just 13 touches and finished with a 100% passing accuracy (8 passes).
Matija Ljujic (Wellington Phoenix)
Another big impact from a super-sub. The special Serbian scored a thunderous goal from two shots on target, a joint-game high.
ATTACKERS
Diego Castro (Perth Glory)
Despite being on a losing side, Castro was excellent. He scored a brilliant goal, made five cross and contested a team-high 19 duels.
Brendon Santalab (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Continued his love of playing against the Phoenix. “Santa” scored a goal, his eighth in his last four against the Nix, making the most of his 19 touches at Westpac Stadium.
