Top 10 players of the 2013/2014 A-League season

The 2013/14 A-League season featured some exciting talent throughout the competition.

Let’s look at the top 10 performers.

10. Shinji Ono – Western Sydney Wanderers
Struggled to capture the form of his first season, but still showed glimpses of his obvious talent. His passing range is one of the best in the competition and his presence always seemed to lift the Wanderers to that extra level. Left at the right time in my opinion but it will still be sad to see the Japanese Mastermind go.

9. Ivan Franjic – Brisbane Roar
The Roar utility had a breakthrough season, scoring five goals as a defender shows you how he loves to attack. His defending will be tested against the world’s best at the World Cup but it will be a test we will all love to see. His versatility is another great asset, allowing him to play as a fullback, a winger, and a central midfielder.

8. Mark Milligan – Melbourne Victory
Struggled to find form with Socceroos commitments and injuries, but when he played he made sure he played well. His tackling and work ethic is what makes him one of the Socceroos’ most important players, while his passing range has also dramatically improved since becoming a midfielder. Will be interesting to see how he goes against the world’s best in June.

7. Mathew Spiranovic – Western Sydney Wanderers
Came to the Wanderers as a back-up defender but soon transformed himself into a regular starter in the team with the best defence in the league. His height makes him dangerous in the air while his experience in the Bundesliga made him brilliant at knowing what was going to happen. Picked up a deserved call-up for the World Cup and is likely to start for the Socceroos in their first game against Chile.

6. Marcelo Carrusca – Adelaide United
Was the mastermind behind Josep Gombau’s wonderful masterpiece that he created at Adelaide United this season. His amazing touch and passing ability made him one of the most feared attacking midfielders in the league and struck fear into goalkeepers with his powerful long-range shots. Was great to see him re-sign for next season.

5. Adam Taggart – Newcastle Jets
Wow. 16 goals, a first Socceroos cap, a World Cup call up all in in one season for the 20-year-old golden boot winner. Almost single-handedly pushed the Jets into a deserved finals spot with a late season surge of goals, benefiting from the return of Emile Heskey, new signings David Carney and Joel Griffiths and the change in coach. Let’s hope he can continue his form into the World Cup.

4. Luke Brattan – Brisbane Roar
Brattan has set the league alight this season with his incredible passing range. Still a bit inconsistent but what can you expect when he is still only in his third professional season. Also added solid defence and a rocket of a shot to his abilities this year as well. Unlucky not to get a call up for the World Cup but that will only make him even hungrier for the 2015 Asian Cup.

3. James Troisi – Melbourne Victory
Had a poor patch in the middle of the season, but when he was in form there was no stopping him. 12 goals in 28 games tells you the story of his season. Not only was his finishing sublime, but he also supplied many assists for teammates Archie Thompson, Kosta Barbarouses and Gui Finkler. A World Cup call up would finish his wonderful season perfectly.

2. Alessandro Del Piero – Sydney FC
Had in injury-hit season, but when he was fit he was wonderful to watch. He weaved through defenders as if they weren’t there and his shots always went in. Questions were raised throughout the season about his tendency to go down easily, but at the end of the day it will be sad to see him leave.

1. Thomas Broich – Brisbane Roar
Broich was the standout player and was one of the only consistent performers throughout the entire season. His touch and dribbling skills were far more advanced than the rest of the league and even at 33, he could still play the full 90 minutes. Won the Jonny Warren medal to cap off a great season for not only himself, but also Brisbane Roar.

Honorable Mentions: Besart Berisha, Orlando Engelaar, Isaias, Albert Riera, Fabio Ferreira, Eugene Galekovic, David Williams, Matt Mckay, Sasa Ognenovski, Matt Smith.