Who stood head and shoulders above the rest in Hyundai A-League Round 5?
We’ve assessed the strongest contenders and gone with a 4-3-3 formation to house the weekend’s best.
Do you agree with our selections? Let us know!
OLYROOS: Arnold confirms Al-Hassan Toure is available for Australia U-23s selection
SPECIAL MOMENT: Gabriel Popovic makes Hyundai A-League debut
Goalkeeper
Stefan Marinovic (Wellington Phoenix)
Daniel Lopar’s stranglehold on the Team of the Week is over…and it took a sensational performance to do it.
Heading into Round 5 no keeper had made more saves than the Phoenix gloveman and Marinovic made another five key stops in the draw with Victory.
The Kiwi international was superb at AAMI Park, with his saves to deny Jakob Poulsen in the first-half and Ola Toivonen late on ones for the highlight reel.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102248723001
Defenders
Curtis Good (Melbourne City)
On a night where Melbourne City celebrated their 10th year anniversary it was only fitting Good, the only player in Erick Mombaerts’ squad who played under the banner of Melbourne Heart, played a starring role.
The defender headed City ahead early – his first goal on Australian soil in seven years – and played a lovely pass that split the Central Coast Mariners lines in the lead up to Adrian Luna’s second. Jordan Murray’s late consolation was the only blot an otherwise excellent copy book.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6101804418001
Steven Taylor (Wellington Phoenix)
A commanding performance from the Phoenix skipper.
Taylor produced a typically whole-hearted and inspirational display as his side withstood some relentless pressure from Victory in the second-half.
The Englishman made five clearances and made a number of vital blocks as he threw his body in front of everything.
NOT HAPPY 1: Merrick enraged after Jets not awarded penalty for push
NOT HAPPY 2: Rudan upset despite Western United fightback, provides Berisha update
💪 True Captain's Performance 💪#StandUpWithYourNix #ERereTeKeo #MVCvWEL pic.twitter.com/T6XjFRdK0G
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) November 10, 2019
Lachlan Jackson (Newcastle Jets)
Newcastle knew a performance of some gusto was required to beat a Perth Glory side still smarting from last Sunday’s shock defeat to the Mariners. That was a feat they so nearly achieved thanks to a heroic performance from Jackson.
The centre back made a whopping 10 clearances, won five of his six duels and three interceptions to keep out Perth’s relentless second half probing.
Josh Risdon (Western United)
The Western United wing-back celebrated his Caltex Socceroos recall in some style in the new boys’ 2-1 turnaround against Western Sydney.
Risdon created a match-high four chances and was the chief attacking instrument for Mark Rudan’s side, demonstrated by the fact no one had more touches of the ball than the 27-year-old flyer (wing-back partner Connor Pain was next highest with 70).
In addition, he made three clearances and won eight of 11 duels.
Midfielders
Connor Metcalfe (Melbourne City)
City have unearthed a range of young gems so far this season, but Metcalfe could be the best performing youngster of the lot. The Australian international continues to repay Mombaerts’ faith, helping run the show for City against the Mariners alongside Josh Brillante and Rostyn Griffiths.
In the 3-1 win, Metcalfe created two chances – one of which a strong run and accurate cutback for Adrian Luna.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6101824224001
Diego Castro (Perth Glory)
Perth’s sensational Spaniard saved the day against the Jets on Saturday.
Tony Popovic’s side were perhaps a touch off the pace in the opening half and Castro was the first to let his teammates know. As he so often is, the veteran playmaker drove the reigning Premiers on in the second, creating four chances and ultimately producing the 86th minute equaliser his inspiration merited.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102122040001
James Troisi (Adelaide United)
Riley McGree may have scored the only goal but there was no better player on the Coopers Stadium pitch than Troisi.
The playmaker was at the heart of most of Adelaide United’s best moments, creating three chances with and unlocking Roar’s defence with both long and short passing.
Troisi was the architect of the Reds’ winner as well, underlining why the club were so happy to land his signature.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102266028001
Forwards
Kwabena Appiah (Western United)
Appiah might not boast the goal record of the man he deputised for in Western United’s clash with the Wanderers, but the finish was one even Besart Berisha himself would’ve been proud of.
That excellent swivel and finish was the match-winner for the Hyundai A-League newcomers. Moreover, the attacker’s explosive pace was utilised effectively to keep the Wanderers defence concerned.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102136408001
Ola Toivonen (Melbourne Victory)
Where would Victory be without their talismanic skipper.
Toivonen again delivered when it matter for his side, scoring a classy goal to snatch a draw against Phoenix at AAMI Park.
In finding the net, Toivonen became the fastest Victory player ever to score 20 goals for the club (doing so in 32 games).
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102247876001
Craig Noone (Melbourne City)
Is the English winger the Hyundai A-League’s player of the season so far? He might be.
Others have arrived in Australia with more glitz and glamour than the former tiler from Merseyside but Noone has arguably been the competition’s best. Against the Mariners, the veteran burst past defenders with will, created three chances and clipped the crossbar with what would’ve likely been the goal of the weekend.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6101807444001