There were more than a few talking points from what was a fast and furious round of Hyundai A-League action.
We’ve looked at the Opta Data to find out who your club’s best player was over the weekend’s fixtures.
Read on to see the stars of Round 8!
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Adelaide United – Michael Jakobsen
Despite the Reds going down to Melbourne City it wasn’t for the lack of trying from Jakobsen who was at his creative best on Sunday evening.
The Danish defender made 80 passes with an accuracy of 93% against his old club as he looked to kick-start the home side’s defence.
His influence wasn’t restricted to going forward however as he also made two interceptions in a bid to keep his side in the game.
Brisbane Roar – Adam Taggart
Adam Taggart’s strong start to his career in the Sunshine State has a lot of people sitting up and taking notice.
Although the Roar went down to Victory 4-2, Taggart popped up to score while also recording an 100% shot accuracy with three shots testing Lawrence Thomas.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5979497089001
Central Coast Mariners – Andrew Hoole
Now in his second season at Gosford, Hoole is an essential cog in the Mariners machine.
Against Wellington Phoenix on the weekend Hoole managed a key pass once every nine minutes, the third most frequent of any player in a game this season.
Melbourne City – Luke Brattan
At his best Brattan is one of the most accomplished midfielders in the Hyundai A-League and showed exactly why in his side’s 2-0 win over Adelaide.
The on-loan Manchester City player scored a thunderous goal while also creating two scoring chances and making three interceptions.
Talk about an all-round effort!
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Melbourne Victory – Kosta Barbarouses
The Kiwi winger was at his devastating best against the Roar, scoring two goals from only two shots, including a sublime link-up with James Troisi to open the floodgates.
As well as being lethal in front of goal he was also the only player to pick up a brace this round.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5979517715001
Newcastle Jets – Dimitri Petratos
The Jets were unlucky to go down to Perth Glory, racking up a boatload to chances in the 2-0 defeat.
Dimitri Petratos caused the Glory defence problems all afternoon, creating eight scoring chances, five more than any other player over the weekend’s fixtures.
Perth Glory – Liam Reddy
Veteran goalkeeper Liam Reddy was at his stingy best in the Hunter making a round-high five saves as well as saving his side with two clearances.
Throw in a clean sheet and it was a pretty successful afternoon for the 37-year old gloveman.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5980077075001
Sydney FC – Paulo Retre
Paulo Retre’s career has really taken off since joining the Sky Blues last season.
Against the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Derby, Retre made 12 pass attempts at an accuracy of 93%.
He also created two scoring chances and won seven out of his nine duels in the 3-1 triumph.
Wellington Phoenix – Louis Fenton
Now in his second-stint at the Nix since re-joining this year, Fenton enjoyed a productive day out as his side defeated the Mariners 2-0 on Saturday.
The 25-year old scored a goal with his only attempt and won six out of an attempted 11 duels.
Western Sydney Wanderers – Oriol Riera
Western Sydney marquee Oriol Riera always gives his all and even thought his side suffered a disappointing defeat to their fierce rivals he certainly did himself credit.
The Spanish striker scored a goal and won nine of a contested 14 duels, more than any of his Wanderers teammates.
