After his match-winning performance for Wellington Phoenix, one big question emerged: Is Kosta Barbarouses “one of the most underrated players in A-League history”?
The 34-year-old star struck in the 82nd minute to ruin Victory’s unbeaten start to the 2024-25 campaign and take his A-Leagues tally to 96 goals.
SOARING PHOENIX: Wellington ruin Victory’s unbeaten season as star haunts former side in Semi-Final rematch
Barbarouses is one of the most decorated players in the Isuzu UTE A-League with four Championships – two with Victory and one apiece with Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar, to go with three Premierships across all three teams.
After the match Paramount+ report Daniel Garb said: “I feel like he’s almost one of the most underrated players in A-League history.
“When you look at his goal record, what he has done at big clubs who have all had success. He is a key player every single time a team works its way near the top of the table.
“Maybe we don’t speak about him the same way as others.”
DERBY DELIGHT: Sydney star’s masterclass sees Sky Blues outclass Wanderers in emphatic Derby triumph
UNDEFEATED ADELAIDE: Super-sub delivers as Reds defeat Brisbane Roar in Unite Round thriller
Paramount+ co-commentator Phil Moss added: “I’m sure every dressing room he’s been part of doesn’t underrate him.
“He is fantastic. Great human being first and foremost. We see his quality and as he gets older, he gets better and better.”
For Barbarouses, it was a selfless and impressive performance in the Unite Round clash, where the Phoenix exacted some sort of revenge of Victory following their dramatic extra-time loss in last season’s Semi-Final.
The talisman, who worked tirelessly across the front line, was seen with his knee strapped throughout the contest.
“I did my MCL (medial collateral ligament) against the Mariners,” he told Paramount+.
“Got into international duty and tried to return as quick as possible.
“Just powering through. I’m going to ask Chiefy for a couple of days off after this, I think I’ve earned it.”
HISTORY! A-Leagues legend & his Aussie trio do the double in China
ANGE CONQUERS PEP: Postecoglou joins exclusive club after Tottenham’s historic rout of Man City
Wellington have now beaten two-time reigning champions Central Coast Mariners and Grand Finalists Victory in back-to-back matches.
It came after a change in tactics on the eve of the Allianz Stadium matchup.
“We’re very adaptable,” said Barbarouses.
“We changed the way we play yesterday. So we worked on certain things during the week and changed it yesterday.
“… We always know we’re in with a chance.”
