A number of players caught the eye during Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League and we’ve crunched the Opta data to pick the best performing players of the weekend.
Based on a range of metrics provided by the Hyundai A-League’s official data provider, here’s the Team of the Week for Round 5.
GOALKEEPER
Paul Izzo (Adelaide United) – In a round where a host of keepers flourished, Izzo was a clear standout in the Reds’ loss to Perth Glory. He made a joint round-high six saves – including a penalty from Diego Castro – the most he’s made in a match since he made seven against Melbourne City in January of this year.
DEFENDERS
Luke Wilkshire (Sydney FC) – One of Sydney FC’s best in their win over City on Friday night. Not only did the veteran right-back score the match-winning goal, he made 61 passes at 92% accuracy and had a round-high eight interceptions. Top stuff Lukey!
Bart Schenkeveld (Melbourne City) – In a losing team, the Dutchman did his growing reputation no harm with a powerful display against the Sky Blues. He won four fouls, the third most of any player in Round 5, made four clearances, contested 15 duels and made 51 passes. Impressive stuff.
Thomas Deng (Melbourne Victory) – The excellent young defender was a major reason a 10-man Victory avoided defeat against the Wanderers. Deng popped up with the equalising goal with a thumping header, made 22 passes and five clearances in the 1-1 draw at Etihad.
Raul Llorente (Western Sydney Wanderers) – The Spanish left-back put in a man-of-the-match display against Victory, setting up his side’s goal with an inch-perfect cross for Oriol Riera. He also made 61 passes at an accuracy rate of 89%.
MIDFIELDERS
Steven Ugarkovic (Newcastle Jets) – Enjoying a great season under Ernie Merrick, the youngster was excellent in his side’s 3-0 drubbing of Phoenix. He had two shots at goal, created two scoring chances and made 38 passes with an accuracy of 90%.
Kearyn Baccus (Western Sydney Wanderers) – He made a season-high 102 passes at an excellent accuracy rate of 90% in the Wanderers 1-1 draw with Victory. Baccus also created one scoring chance and contested 13 duels.
Milos Ninkovic (Sydney FC) – Another week, another eye-catching display from the Serbian star. Ninkovic was brilliant against City, creating two scoring chances and he had a passing accuracy of 88% from his 52 passes.
Andrew Nabbout (Newcastle Jets) – Scored a fabulous goal in the Jets’ big win, while also firing off seven shots at Phoenix keeper Keegan Smith. Nabbout also contested 13 duels in the match.
STRIKERS
Oriol Riera (Western Sydney Wanderers) – Continues to look right at home in the Hyundai A-League, Riera made it four goals in five A-League games with his header against Victory. It was one of four shots at goal the Spaniard had, while he contested 17 duels at Etihad.
Roy O’Donovan (Newcastle Jets) – Already looks to be the signing of the season. The Irishman grabbed a first-half brace from seven shots at goal against Phoenix, while he also created two chances for teammates.
