Adelaide got just their second win of the season after defeating Gold Coast United 2-1 in their ‘away’ game at Hindmarsh on Friday night. Iain Ramsay was crucial to both goals for the Reds, as they managed to fight off a brave Gold Coast outfit.
So where to now for Adelaide United?
Points are important right now for them. They really cannot afford to fall too far away from the top tier if they want to be legitimate contenders.
Right now, there are still form and player selection issues. That can be sorted out and confidence will build from points. However, things still need sorting out, for both players and coaches.
For most of this (still early) season, I’ve been trying to make sense of some of Rini Coolen’s player selections.
One that has, in particular, confused me is the omission of Iain Ramsey. The young talent finally started for the first time this season, and his game only helped me think that he should be a first-teamer for the rest of the season.
Andy Slory has been in his position, and has been disappointing for me. Slory should bide his time on the bench which is easier said than done however.
A couple of selection issues are going to come to a head in the coming weeks for Adelaide.
Firstly, Sergio van Dijk’s injury may keep him out for a few weeks which we will know more about that in coming days.
Bruce Djite will take that spot, at least for this week. The number 11 has struggled with fitness and form, but he should continue to start, mainly to get that form and fitness.
This is an opportunity for Djite.
I haven’t been a fan of Djite and van Dijk starting together. The main reason, being it makes Adelaide too slow and direct up front.
When van Dijk inevitably recovers from injury, can Djite can keep him out? We shall see.
Another selection headache (and a good one to have) may come in the defensive area for Rini’s Reds. Nigel Boogard came in for an injured Milan Susak and did very well.
He partnered Jon McKain well in the centre defensive pairing and should stay there if he continues his form like the one he showed against Gold Coast.
So does Milan Susak come back in? Yes, but at full back. He is a strong physical presence and could control that area for the Reds.
For the time being, I would play Adelaide in a 4-2-3-1. The back four will include Susak (if fit, Mullen if not), Boogaard, McKain and Cassio.
In the holding midfield roles, I would have Levchenko and Usucar, who played well on the weekend and should continue there. Djite would lead the line, with Vidosic in behind.
Slory and Caravella would occupy the flanks.
For a start, Rini should revert back to his 4-2-3-1 formation and reward form, and see what happens from there.
Katie Lambeski
Roar Guru
just giving credit where credit is due, good to see Boogard get an oppurtunity. And I didn't know his dad played for Newcastle, thanks for sharing :)
apaway
Guest
Good to see NIgel Boogard given some kudos, Katie. He's a dependable and talented defender with a great attitude and a good bloodline (his dad Michael Boogard was an uncompromising defender for Newcastle in the NSL)
Katie Lambeski
Roar Guru
They should make the top 6 if they get themselves together. Will be interesting if they do get it together and play well in finals. About the Gold Coast selling the game, I didn't really like it. If you have to sell games to survive, you shouldn't be in the competition. Even the Fury didn't sell ganes. Just on the Fury, I think they should be back in the League, but that is an article for another day.
Katie Lambeski
Roar Guru
thanks for that correcting that, unfortunately I realised my error too late and it was published. Nonetheless, my point about Ramsey starting is still the same.
Axelv
Guest
I really don't think Adelaide have any chance of being contenders. The best they can do is make the top 6. Since the first game of the season they have been very average and disjointed. Coolen impressed many people last season as a new International coach, but he's sophisticated tactics was nothing more than pass the ball to Flores, and let the speed of Adelaide's attack (especially with Leckie) and Van Dijk's scoring do the rest. As for last Friday night being an away game, that's a disgrace to the competition and no A-League team should be allowed to sell themselves out like the Gold Coast have, very disrespectful to their fans and putting their club at a disadvantage on the field, it puts the integrity of the competition into question. Imagine if a team misses out on the finals by 1 point to Adelaide, and the difference is that 'away game' that Adelaide had in which they would never have won if it was on the Gold Coast. Not fair at all.
Come On You Reds
Guest
Hate to be a pedant, but Ramsay actually started against both Sydney FC and Melbourne Heart.
Katie Lambeski
Roar Guru
thanks for the feedback and I agree with your points. It is very interesting why Da Silva hasn't had a run yet, but I'm sure we'll see him soon. And to your left-back question, is Caravella the way to go? bit out of the box there, but he works hard and can tackle, might be an option.
Kazama
Roar Guru
Nice little summary Katie. As we discussed last week, I think 4-2-3-1 is the way to go for us with either SvD or Djite as the lone striker; I don't like them playing together either. I'm not overly confident having Susak at RB but I'd prefer him to Mullen or Watson. He would certainly be a more well-rounded option than either of those two. Mullen is too limited going forward, Watson - a natural midfielder - is too limited defensively. I would like to see Ricardo da Silva be given an opportunity, off the bench in place of Slory. Ramsay I think has much more of a case to start than Slory. In fact, Slory has done little to warrant a place in the side, apart from maybe the good pass to Ramsay for the second goal Friday night. Other than that, he has had a very poor start to the season, and should be dropped IMO. Caravella absolutely gets the other flank. Agree Usucar and Levchenko should get the nod as the holding mids. Usucar had a very solid game last week. And yes Boogaard should partner McKain, providing he can reproduce his surprisingly excellent performance from the Gold Coast game. Perhaps the biggest selection issue will come this week if Cassio is unable to take his place at LB. If he's out, who gets the gig there?