- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
It’s finally here, A-League 10 kicks off on Friday night and predictions are flying thick and fast. But enough about the teams and their chances of success, which players will stand out from the rest this season?
The Roar‘s in-house experts, Domenic Trimboli and Tony Tannous, have already looked at the golden boot contenders and previewed each team’s prospects, so it’s time to focus on the men who lie in the shadows.
David Villa’s the main name on everyone’s lips, Besart Berisha’s move south has Melbourne Victory fans calling for a premiership and Tomi Juric is currently the golden child of Australian football supporters.
But what about the others?
There’s a bunch of exciting Australian talent out there that could be in line for international recognition, while there’s always the low-key signings who spring a few surprises.
Then there are the uncapped youngsters who burst onto the scene and the players that find their way into the hearts of fans, regardless of their on-field performances.
Let’s start with the local talent.
Players to receive Socceroos recognition
It’s always nice to see our A-League players make the Socceroos squad and do well – it reassures us that Australian football is not as bad as the naysayers would have you believe. It is worth skipping an early morning EPL match to have a few beers and check out Wellington Phoenix versus Perth Glory instead of pre-sleeping, really.
There are of course some obvious candidates in the A-League, and all the hype is around Daniel de Silva and Awer Mabil. In my eyes they are a shoe-in for Socceroos selection in the near future, but this season could come too early.
Instead let’s have a look at some unheralded players that could shine this season and catch Ange Postecoglou’s eye.
The first is a player I’ve talked up before for a Socceroos call-up, and he’ll play a key role in ensuring Brisbane Roar getting over the departure of Besart Berisha.
Luke Brattan, alongside Thomas Broich, will be responsible for running the Roar’s midfield and he’s exactly the type of player Ange Postecoglou needs. The 24-year-old has an eye for a pass and is a solid holding option, more than capable of controlling matches.
Another Roar product that could also be in line for Socceroos honours is Dimitri Petratos, who’s promising to continue his blistering form from the backend of last season.
He’s had a stalled career since his acrimonious departure from Sydney FC and a move to Malaysia, but answered critics with a hat-trick against his former club last year. With Berisha gone, the 21-year-old will take on greater responsibility and could keep new Albanian Mensur Kurtisi out of the starting 11.
The last one is a bit of a bolter, but nevertheless not an outlandish contender for Socceroos recognition. Andrew Hoole has always been threatening to breakout, ever since he was named Australia’s best at the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey of 2013.
He’s a hard worker and has the mindset to push his career to the next level, and this is a big chance for the 20-year-old. For too long a victim of Gary van Egmond’s tinkering, Hoole will hope to secure a spot in the Newcastle Jets’ starting 11.
Most underrated signings
Each season there’s always the player that flies under the radar, avoiding media scrutiny and then blasting fans and critics away with a magnificent season.
Robbie Kruse managed it when moving south from Brisbane, so too Besart Berisha, when he exploded in the A-League. And let’s not forget about Marco Rojas, who you’ll hear more about in a few weeks.
Craig Goodwin didn’t know what he was at the Jets. Constantly shifting from an attacking role to a defensive one, he was never given a real chance to succeed, another victim of the Van Egmond era.
He looked too predictable at times when running at players, but on other days he was simply unplayable. A change of scenery could be the key, and he’s now returned home to Adelaide. Under the tutelage of Josep Gombau, Goodwin could have a big year. If Gombau plays three in defence, Goodwin would be a very handy wingback.
Central Coast supporters don’t have a lot to cheer about so far this preseason. The arrivals have been few and the departures many, not least that of Michael McGlinchey. So step forward Kim Seung-yong, it’s your time to shine.
Kim’s story mirrors that of Thomas Broich – lauded youngster fails to make big time. But whereas Broich’s failure was more down to disillusion with the football world, Kim’s was down to self-confessed arrogance.
He now has the chance, at 29, to pick his career back up and show his talents. You don’t win 43 youth caps for South Korea by being a mug.
Connor Chapman was tipped to be a future Socceroos captain when he burst on the scene at Hunter Stadium, and anyone who’s seen him live will attest that he’s a confident and skilful individual.
He can be suspect in defence, but as he matures he’ll improve his deficiencies. With everyone quick to bag out Melbourne City’s defence, the 19-year-old could find himself as Patrick Kisnorbo’s permanent defensive partner, and take City to finals football.
Most impressive youth debutants
To keep this short, we’ll look at those players that have been awarded a squad number for the upcoming season, but any other bolters you know of, please let us know.
When you’re given the label of “youngest ever A-League signing” it’s a heavy reputation to uphold. Benny Kantarovski has indeed struggled to live up to expectations at the Jets.
But from many reports the Mariners’ Anthony Kalik could quickly erase the memory of Tommy Rogic from Gosford households. At just 16, Kalik will push for a spot in the starting 11 this season, and plays as a number 10. He was deemed good enough for the Mariners to desert Marcos Flores.
Next up to make his A-League debut is Bruce Kamau. The 19-year-old made his club debut in the FFA Cup against Wellington Phoenix and is now expected to continue his development.
Adelaide’s structures are being set up so players such as Kamau can make a silky transition from youth to first team football, and the Kenyan-born winger may be the first sign that it’s paying dividends.
Lining up against Kamau in the FFA Cup round of 32 was young Wellington left back Tom Doyle. He’s a late bloomer at 22 but could nevertheless be one of the A-League’s most impressive young debutants.
He is expected to make the left defence slot his own at the Cake Tin this season, and is one to watch out for. He will be missing from Round 1 however, after getting a call-up to the New Zealand All Whites.
Biggest cult figure
Cult players are what football is all about. Whether they combine love with talent – the Jets’ Milton Rodriguez – or bring in the fans for their questionable skills and longevity – the Toon Army’s Shola Ameobi – these are the guys that are never forgotten.
The A-League already has a strong contender, and the Wanderers have already claimed him – Vitor Saba. The bloke’s beard is luscious – if you don’t like it, you’re just bloody jealous. And his silky smooth skills could banish the depression surrounding Shinji Ono’s departure.
Saba is largely an unknown, picked up from Serie B, but he has the persona and the talent to etch himself into Wanderers folklore. First up the Asian Champions League final, next the A-League championship.
Most influential signing
To cap off the predictions I can’t help but delve into who will prove to be the A-League’s best signing. There are plenty of options, ranging from the obvious to the obscure.
But one man stands out for me, and that’s Erik Paartalu. After stints in China and Thailand, the towering midfielder will finally grace the A-League again, but this time in the light blue of Melbourne City.
Among the flurry of new signings at the club, Paartalu stands as finishing as the most influential. Having already played a crucial role in the beginnings of Brisbane Roar’s dynasty, Paartalu has the chance to kick-start another, and his metronomic and accurate passing range will set the stage for City boasting the league’s most dominant midfield.
So that’s it Roarers, the best of the rest. Which Aussie do you fancy reaching the international stage? Who’s your pick for debutant of the season or most underrated signing? Any other bearded fellow out there who will become your club’s cult hero?
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.