One of the major factors contributing to Brisbane Roar’s resurrection from a troubled off-season has been the rise of young striker Brandon Borello.
Flourishing under new manager John Aloisi, a former Socceroo forward who needs no introduction, Borello has scored four goals in seven appearances for the Roar this season, including two braces.
But in two seasons for the Roar prior to the beginning of the 2015-16 A-League season, the former Young Socceroo had scored just four goals from 26 appearances – a strike rate that would see most strikers out the door at their clubs.
Despite his previous lack of goals, the Adelaide-born forward pushed on into the 2015-16 season and is currently equal second in the A-League Golden Boot race, having scored a third of Roar’s goals.
His impressive efficiency is the key to Borrello’s recent success.
The 20-year-old has scored his four goals from just 10 shots, boasting a clinical shooting accuracy higher than Melbourne Victory pair Besart Berisha and Gui Finkler, Melbourne City’s Bruno Fornaroli, Newcastle’s Milos Trifunovic, and Roar teammate Jamie Maclaren, just to name a few.
Borello’s defensive work rate has also been key to his recent run of form. He has made six interceptions this season, with Western Sydney Wanderer Joshua Sotirio the only forward in the A-League with more (nine).
Despite his recent form, Borello is yet to be re-signed by the Roar, and with his full-time youth contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Roar are vulnerable to losing their prodigy to local and international clubs searching for a forward with a proven scoring record and plenty of potential.
“We’re trying to get him to sign a bit more long-term – we’ve been talking to his agent (John Grimaud) for a number of months now,” Aloisi said.
“But I’m not concerned because Brandon knows this is the best place for him to develop as a footballer.
“I’ve been speaking to Brandon quite regularly about it and he’s happy to be involved in this club.”
Borello was recently snubbed a spot in the 22-man Olyroos squad set to play Qatar U-23 and Iran U-23, which featured his Roar teammates Corey Brown and Jamie Maclaren.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
Round 19 was an interesting weekend of football with no draws, 19 goals in six matches, two five-goal games on Sunday and for the…
One of the biggest games on the Australian sporting calendar took place in front of a huge crowd on Saturday night – and it…
