In what has been the best season in terms of the quality of football played, we have been spoiled as A-League fans this year.
Soon enough the PFA and several other organisations will put out their team of the season.
In my infinite wisdom here is my summation of who should feature in the first XI.
Formation
There are plenty of debates to be had over the best formation, success has been found with 4-5-1 and 4-3-3. I’m going to throw up a 4-3-3 on this occasion, apologies to the midfielders who will miss out as a result.
Goalkeeper
Thomas Sorenson (City)
Between the sticks there have been some strong performers, but for the first time in the history of the A-League the best goalkeeper has been a foreign player.
Despite being 39, the Dane’s athleticism saved his team time and time again.
Defence
Left back – Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United)
The Adelaide local has been excellent down the left-side this year and has plenty of versatility as he can push forward to play as winger, something every coach loves.
Centre backs – Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Del Pierre (Wanderers)
The pair have been solid as a rock and probably the best central defensive pairing. It would be nice for the Wanderers to keep the pair, but rumours say Topor-Stanley is off to China at season’s end.
Right back – Josh Risdon (Perth Glory)
Risdon has been phenomenal with Perth this year, getting a Socceroos call-up and five assists along the way. The best bit? He’s staying for at least another year with Perth as he signed a contract extension.
Midfield
Central midfielders – Isaiais (Adelaide United) and Corona (Brisbane Roar)
This combo were essential in setting up attacks and doing a lot of engine room work for their team’s this year.
Corona lead the league with passes and Isaiais had the most successful deliveries into the final third. While not always seen, these two did plenty to get their club’s into the finals.
Centre attacking midfield- Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
He’s been the best Australian player this year and has broken the competition record for assists in a season from any player. It will be interesting to see where he goes to in Europe, here’s hoping it’s the right move.
Attack
Left-wing – Diego Castro (Perth Glory)
The theme this year has a distinct Spanish flavour. There’s a few in the starting line-up, but the one who deserves to be here most of all is Diego Castro.
Without him Perth are a shadow of the team they can be. The veteran took time to get going, but when he did, he was magnificent, moving freely among the forward line causing trouble for defenders across the league.
Striker – Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne City)
When you score 25 goals in the A-League and another three in the cup you’ve played bloody well. I could go on for hours about El Tuna, but here’s what is most important. Melbourne City please make sure he stays!
Right-wing – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
There have been times where Barbarouses could have done more for his team, but the entire Victory squad is guilty of that. The New-Zealand international has done enough to show that he is quality, immense quality in fact.
Who knows what he will do next season across the ditch?
Substitutes
There are a few more names I could throw onto this list, though these players were also standouts for their club.
Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide Untied)
Scott Jamieson (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Dylan McGowan (Adelaide United)
Mitch Nichols (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Jamie Maclaren (Brisbane Roar)
I’m sure I’ve offended a few fans, with Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney and the ‘Nix all getting snubbed. Go on then, tell me who your team of the season is!
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