Melbourne City have finally found their key goalscorer, and potentially the best international signing for the 2015-16 A-League season, in Uruguayan Bruno Fornaroli.
Many, if not most, football fans in Australia didn’t know who Fornaroli was and when he first signed, and thought another Melbourne City may have brought in another striker set to fail.
It could have been another case of Michael Mifsud, the Maltese international signed by Melbourne Heart in 2013-14 who only made 14 appearances and scored just the one goal.
However, it seems that Fornaroli has broken the mould of strikers underperforming for City (nee Heart), which included David Villa, to an extent, Josh Kennedy and other players such as Eli Babalj.
Currently, David Williams is Melbourne City’s highest goalscorer with 21 in 92 games, having played for the club since 2011. Fornaroli is already on 12 goals in 15 games and leading the A-League goalscoring this season, two goals ahead of rival Besart Berisha from Melbourne Victory.
Fornaroli started his professional career at Nacional, Uruguay in 2008 and scored ten goals in 12 appearances.
Since then, up to the start of his career at Melbourne City, he scored 13 goals in 97 appearances. No wonder many City fans were nervous about their club’s decision to sign him on a two-year deal.
Yet, the versatile forward has surprised even the most optimistic of City fans by dominating the league with his strength, pace, positioning and skill on the ball.
He is hard to describe as a traditional striker, but can act as a target man due to his ability to hold up play and position himself next to defenders. He contests high balls despite the likelihood of losing the contest due to his average height.
Another key strength is his ability to turn off the line of the defence and beat the offside trap, rarely seen by strikers in the A-League.
Fornaroli isn’t massive, tall or amazingly quick, but his ability to acclimatise to the level of the A-League, described as many players as extremely physical, has been a big asset to Melbourne City. They have finally found the striker and key goalscorer they’ve been looking for.
As long as Fornaroli and City’s other key player Aaron Mooy stay injury free for the second half of the season, then City may well have their first real crack at silverware.
Grando
Guest
Interesting article. Also the following input is insightful.
Alfie
Guest
What a fresh as article, absolutely spot on????
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Strange days indeed! Agree that there must be a plan to bring someone in just as we're releasing the underperforming Koren. The entry of CFG into the A-league will change us for the better IMO. They can't be ignored by FFA because they are too big and have invested considerably in new facilities at La Trobe. CFG will be looking to change the way the HAL is managed by FFA and already they along with other clubs have got a seat at the table during negotiations for the next media deal. Interesting times ahead.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Robbie Koren has been released by City. Interesting to see who they might bring in to replace him. Wouldn't be surprised if they announce someone in the next week or two. Actually I have a feeling part of the reason they let Koren go is because they have a replacement lined up. We're in this funny situation in the ALeague where we have opinions on the recruiting of opposing teams. I actually want City to buy a big name player for the sake of the league even though it might mean they beat us in the league. Strange situation!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yes, and what about his year-round suntan :) Very hip and cosmopolitan.
Fadida
Guest
I still have my doubts about JVS. He lacks the ability to turn games that aren't going well.. And his choice of shoes....
Fadida
Guest
Agree Stevo, though it's Romario who he reminds me of.
Angus
Roar Rookie
The HAL is a bit of an under-rated league when discussing the physicality of it in my opinion. Retre has certainly come along in leaps and bounds but I don't think he should play at either LB or RB, like you said - a defensive role. Clisby has improved but I still see him as a depth/squad player, not consistent enough for my liking but I am being a bit harsh. He has shown he is determined and dedicated for the team, something other players could learn a thing or two about. Well I don't even know what to say about, or where to start with Koren! Ex- Hull City player says enough really?! Very disappointing and hopefully he is released so we can get an attacking midfielder as our marquee to fill Mooy's spot when he leaves. Only good thing he (Koren) ever did was score a hat-trick against the Jets.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
I don't think the side is well balanced defensively as you say. Chapman is a loss and Hughes is underdone and hasn't looked as solid as I'd hoped. It's a good reflection on the HAL that players can't just come in from OS with a 'solid' CV and simply expect to get on the pitch and dominate. We've had Retre, Garrucio and Clisby in the fullback positions but they aren't specialist IMO. Having said that Retre has really come on in leaps and bounds and I think is a solid squad player in a defensive midfield role. He has a good eye for a pass. Clisby tries damn hard and you have to applaud him for giving it 100% when he gets a chance. Franjic and Zullo are good players. I like Zullo - watch his movement and quick feet and he does impress. A very big disappointment has been the form of Koren. He has not provided the impact that we'd hoped - he should have had the same influence on City as Broich has had at Brisvegas or Ono at WSW. He's been eclipsed by Novillo, Fornaroli and Mooy.
Angus
Roar Rookie
Spot on Stevo, Sorenson has had to save us too many times this season. Chapman is a big out, him and Kisnorbo seemed like a good CB combination but I personally think our full backs are the problem. Do need Franjic back, that will help but not sold on Garrucio or Clisby. I personally like Zullo there but he may be a bit too attacking. I've loved watching El Tuna this season, and I think you are correct with trying to get more players like him. Hopefully he will stick around and at least win the Golden Boot for the league this season.
Ian
Guest
Good description of your budding possibly Golden Boot winner. He is good to watch. I did enjoy the match up here against Brisbane - yes I know we won....but it was a good match all round.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Let's put the silverware stuff aside for the moment. The team is chock full of goals coming from El Tuna, Novillo and Mooy but we've also shown ourselves handy at conceding at the other end and thanking the Great Dane for saving a few games. But in Fornaroli we have a classy player of the classic short stature type like Messi or Maradona who uses his body to shield and has quick feet and mind to turn, twist and outwit their opponents. He provides a template for young Aussies looking to hone their skills as a striker. Rather than aging 'superstars', the A-league needs more players of this type and the fans will come through the turnstiles.