Michael Lynch, senior sports writer for The Age and expert selection panel member, reveals his selection for the Foxtel A-League All Stars.
Michael Lynch, senior sports writer for The Age and expert selection panel member, reveals his selection for the Foxtel A-League All Stars.
“As this is an All Star team selected by the public I have ensured my selection is from the 35 names chosen by football fans around the country. Balance has not necessarily been my major criteria since it is an exhibition game and the public want to see goals and action (formation 4-3-3).
GK:Ante Covic
RB: Ivan Franjic
CB: Nikolai Topor-Stanley
CB: Trent Sainsbury
LB: Adama Traore
DM: Mark Milligan
MF: Michael McGlinchey
MF: Shinji Ono
A: Archie Thompson
A: Alessandro Del Piero
A: Marco Rojas.
Subs: Eugene Galekovic, Pedj Bojic, Richard Garcia, Daniel McBreen
“Covic may be a veteran, but he has had a wonderful season and having played in Grand Finals and been to a World Cup he will not be overawed by the occasion.
“My back four contains two in form centre backs, one older, one younger, plus two adventurous full backs who can push on and give support to midfield and attack when required. Many believe Traore’s injury was the major factor that prevented Melbourne Victory snaring a top-two finish this season.
“Mark Milligan is the best performed holding midfielder in the country, and is another with plenty of big-match experience. McGlinchey has had a breakout season with the Mariners, while Ono is simply a class act. He might perhaps sit a bit deeper as a playmaker in this line-up.
“Archie Thompson has consistently been the best striker in the A-League throughout its eight-season history, and although he is 34, he has lost little of the pace and sharpness that have been his most potent assets throughout a long career.
“Marco Rojas was outstanding for most of the season and richly deserved his Player of the Season awards.
“Del Piero is a world-class talent who would savour and grace such a major occasion.
“Bench: Galekovic has consistently been one of the top keepers in the league since its inception. Bojic is a consistent defender in a championship winning team.
Garcia would be useful off the bench with his energy and fizz: he was one of the few successes at Melbourne Heart this season, while McBreen has shown that age doth not weary him. In the twilight of his career he is playing his best football, and although unfashionable (up to this season) a place in this line up would be a well deserved reward for a stellar season. Gives hope and inspiration to oldies everywhere.”
