We run our thumb over the weekend’s fixtures to select the team of the week for round three of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
We run our thumb over the weekend’s fixtures to select the team of the week for round three of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
Player of the week: Shinji Ono (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Wanderers marquee man Shinji Ono was the standout performer of round three, scoring a goal and creating an assist in his side-s 2-0 win in the Sydney derby. The former Japanese international picked out Iacopa La Rocca with a pinpoint cross for the match opener. He later weaved his way through the Sydney defence, before guiding the ball into the back of the net to get his name on the scoresheet. The 34-year-old is in the final year of his contract and will surely be offered an extension if he continues to show the show he displayed against the Sky Blues.
Goalkeeper: Mark Birighitti (Newcastle Jets)
The Newcastle Jets shot-stopper was a standout in goals in round four, producing a string of fine saves to ensure his side earned a point away to Wellington. While the Jets are struggling to find the back of the net in the opening rounds, the 22-year-old is doing his bit for the team, keeping two cleansheets in a row.
Left back: Reece Caira (Wellington Phoenix)
The Wellington fullback has been a revelation in Ernie Merrick-s side and was again strong in the draw against the Jets. The 20-year-old has been a regular this season, since making the move from Western Sydney. His defensive work has helped ensure the Phoenix have only conceded two goals in season nine and he whipped in some great crosses for his side-s frontmen against the Jets.
Centre back: Michael Thwaite (Perth Glory)
The Glory defender added some much needed starch to the Glory defence in his first match of the season. Coming back from a hamstring injury, Thwaite did an excellent job in marshalling his troops to help ensure the Heart barely had a sight of goal. With the impending arrival of French international William Gallas, the Glory will soon boast one of the most experienced central defensive pairings in the A-League.
Centre back: Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory)
The former Victory captain has been a rock in defence and no doubt has a point to prove since being relieved of the armband this season. Being able to concentrate all his efforts on the park has certainly paid dividends for Leijer, with his aerial prowess being particularly strong in shutting down the Roar-s set-pieces on the weekend.
Right back: Strom Roux (Central Coast Mariners)
The 20-year-old made just his second A-League appearance when he lined up for the Mariners in round one and is proving to be quite a talent. Having signed a two-year deal, Roux-s strong form has seen him added to the All Whites squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Mexico. He was again instrumental in ensuring the Mariners maintained a cleansheet against the Reds.
Left midfield: Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar)
The Socceroo was impressive down the left flank and his form would have certainly caught the eye of the new national coach. McKay has slotted straight back into the Roar midfield this season and is one of the reasons his side lead the competition. His pace and agility were certainly on display against the Victory and he was part of numerous counter-attacking raids.
Centre midfield: Mitch Nichols (Melbourne Victory)
Nichols grabbed player of the match honours for his performance against the Roar and was the clear standout in what was a huge opener to the round. The 24-year-old has had no trouble adapting to the Victory-s style of play, having moved from the Roar. Nichols was a great creative outlet for Victory in this one and didn-t shirk his workload in defence either.
Right midfield: Ruben Zadkovich (Newcastle Jets)
Although getting through most of his work in the centre of the park the Jets captain was irresistible to leave out from the team of the week. He certainly led by example and was part of everything good the Jets did going forward. Zadkovich was unlucky not to open his side-s goal tally for the year, with a sublime free-kick coming off the crossbar.
Striker: Jamie MacLaren (Perth Glory)
With Shane Smeltz set to return from injury, MacLaren was out to prove a point against Melbourne Heart and his decisive goal ensured the Glory banked all three. MacLaren was industrious as ever up front and held his nerve when in on goal to calmly slot his chance into the back of the net at the second attempt.
Striker: Nick Fitzgerald (Central Coast Mariners)
The Mariners frontman ensured his side got off to the best possible start in their match against Adelaide, netting inside two minutes to send the home crowd wild. Fitzgerald was a constant threat up front and had numerous shots on target. With the Mariners set to welcome back last season-s golden boot winner Daniel McBreen, it was a timely reminder to coach Graham Arnold of the 21-year-old-s capabilities.
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