Despite a below-average performance in the Under-23 Championship, Australia’s youth aren’t as bad as results suggest.
There’s no Bobo in this squad, but plenty of promising youth talent, all of whom are destined for bigger things in the future.
Paul Izzo (Adelaide United)
The former Mariners custodian has worked his way into Adelaide’s first team this season. With Izzo’s help, the Reds are second-best for goals conceded this season.
Ben Garuccio (Adelaide United)
Garuccio has won 38 duels so far, the second-best in the competition, while he wins three-quarters of tackles. The former AIS product is no slouch in the attacking third either, with 20 successful crosses at 75 per cent accuracy.
Thomas Deng (Melbourne Victory)
Born to South Sudanese refugees, the 20-year-old is flourishing in the A-League. Deng has been busy in his 12 starts for the Victory, with 50 clearances, 11 blocks and 23 clearances to his name. Rock solid at the back.
Jonathan Aspropotamitis (Western Sydney Wanderers)
The 21-year-old is a pinpoint passer from the back, with 87 per cent accuracy. He’s also made 20 clearances in his five starts. ‘Aspro’ has been tagged as a future leader, having captained the U-23s in all three games at the AFC qualifiers last year.
Stefan Nigro (Melbourne Victory)
Nigro burst onto the scene with a Man of the Match display in 2016, marking Thomas Broich. This season, he’s made nine starts so far, including a vital 32 interceptions.
Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City)
At just 19, Arzani has made two assists in just three starts for City. He also has 40 per cent crossing accuracy and 21 successful dribbles. His influence will grow with every game.
(AAP Image/Hamish Blair)
Matthew Ridenton (Wellington Phoenix)
The young Kiwi has made 32 key passes from the midfield, including two assists. He’s been vital to the struggling Wellington Phoenix and started 15 out of 16 games this term. In 2014, he was called up to the All Whites’ senior squad, aged just 18.
Daniel De Silva (Central Coast Mariners)
All hail the passing and dribbling master. At 20 years of age, De Silva is already a pivotal member of the Mariners first team. He boasts 13 key passes at nearly 85 per cent accuracy, also registering 18 successful dribbles, two goals and an assist.
Jordan O’Doherty (Adelaide United)
Although he’s only made three starts for Adelaide this season, O’Doherty has impressed with 89 per cent passing accuracy. He was a constant menace in his second start against Sydney FC, keeping them to a goalless draw.
Joe Champness (Newcastle Jets)
The Jets youngster has netted three goals this season, including one against leaders Sydney FC in a 2-2 draw. He’s also won 23 fouls and shown an impressive work rate, contesting 72 duels in December.
Bruce Kamau (Melbourne City)
The Kenyan-born winger boasts 100 per cent shooting accuracy, pinching three goals, as well as crossing accuracy of 40 per cent. He’s been a handful with the ball at his feet too, winning 24 fouls.
Which young A-League talents have most impressed you this season?
punter
Guest
Don't disagree there. However some players like Hoole, Kamau & Apiah has been playing senior football for awhile & their decision making just not up to standard, they have other attributes but.....
Kris
Guest
Matthew Ridenton gets a nose-bleed if he ever gets a sight on goal.
Mantis
Roar Guru
Probably doesnt deserve to be on this list yet, but Rahmat Akbari up at Brissy will be a standout in the next 2 or 3 years if hes given the game time. Skillful and a good decision maker, he just needs time in the A-League. Sadly that seems to be the issue with a number of youngsters...
Mantis
Roar Guru
nailed it. theres a lot that stats dont count for
Nemesis
Guest
Decision-making happens with match time. Playing competitive matches against strong opponents. Most of these talented kids would've cruised through their youth football. Their technical ability would've given them time to do what they want, often selfishly, and rarely making decisions under pressure. That's why it's so important for ALeague clubs to be playing NPL. And, the way the ALeague clubs enter the NPL, the team that enters the Senior competition can only have u20 players. The team that enters the u20 NPL competition must all be u17 (or maybe even u16). Already this is producing results. MVFC has played 3 seasons in NPL. Started in Div2, promoted 1st season, then relegated back to Div 2. Lads like: Pasquali, Nigro, Deng, Theoharous all played NPL with MVFC. 3 more lads who are regularly on the bench in ALeague this season: Waring, Hope, McGilp played NPL in 2017.
punter
Guest
Kamau, Hoole, throw in Apiah & even Buhagiar, it's their decision making that is just so poor, all these players have some good skills & some are very quick, but it's their decision making that just leaves me scratching my head. Look at Messi, unfair to compare to the very best, but apart from his unbelievable & outrageous skills, his decision making is spot on. Poor old Paul Okon, he coaches 3 of these players.
Fadida
Guest
You're admitting you aren't watching players, but going on stats. I suggest you ignore stats and start watching...
Fadida
Guest
Yep, Blackwood to the WC
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
Well, the A-League's standard and Australia's youth development may increase.
144
Roar Guru
The reality is if this team was to go up against the exact same criteria set for J-League or K-League we'd get smacked.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
Alright then, well I never said I didn't consider Wales. I heard he was good as well. Aspromotis, I haven't heard much about until the U23, who was the captain. I'd put him in for the leadership. And Blackwood for the world cup, well I did say he could go to Russia, but perhaps not yet, as he should be scoring more for Adelaide. I never said he scored regularly for Adelaide. And about Theoharous, to some, I admit I haven't seen him play much, but a low passing accuracy is unimpressive. It is a very low passing rate, even by 'Winger' standards.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
That was last year. This year La Rocca and Schenkeveld were recruited to provide depth and experience so Tongyik has had extra competition for a spot. Joyce has introduced Atkinson and Arzani as regulars on match day and they have done very well. Maybe Joyce knows what he's doing in regards to youth. We will see at the end of this season how it's worked out for him.
Kangajets
Guest
Who Blackwood to the World Cup?
Nemesis
Guest
Yes, was going to inclued Vujica but always thought he was not Aussie. He is listed as Croatian nationality on the football website I checked, because he played for Croatia u19. But I now see he was born in Sydney! Great news.
Fadida
Guest
Kenny, you do realise that attacking players will always have lower passing stats? Less space and more pressure on the ball. Watch a player, don't judge based on stats
Fadida
Guest
Nice list Nemesis. I've no idea what their "stats" are, and don't care. All show potential
Fadida
Guest
I won't be surprised if he's drops out of the A-league. At times he's not even NPL standard, falling over, miscontrolling. I suspect he's mentally fragile, showing all of the bad traits of Andrew Hoole
Fadida
Guest
I'm still laughing about that one!
Kangajets
Guest
Nemesis Cowburn is an interesting player at the jets . It’s seems like he’s been there 10 years . I understand he is naturally a midfielder, but has been stuck in a left back role when needed . He’s going to need a lot of first team action to see his potential, I think with Vijiuca playing well, he will have to bide his time .
Kangajets
Guest
Vujica at the Jets is very promising ugarchovic and magree at the jets too as well as Champness Italiano deserves a mention from Perth Lachy Wales at ccm is a gun Connor O’Toole at Brisbane Adelaide have brought a heap of young players Nathaniel Atkinson at city Ryan strain at Adelaide should rate a mention Theoharus at victory I like the idea of your article, it’s good to see youth getting a go .