With pundits unable to get a grasp on the season and tipping proving an absolute nightmare, Week 3 of the A-League saw further upsets and unpredictability.
The following men stood out and made the difference for their teams, in what was a cracking weekend of A-League action.
1. Jamie Young (Brisbane Roar)
Already recognised formally by the league when crowned the best in the business over the course of an A-League season, Young has picked up where he left off and produced a series of brilliant saves against Perth late Saturday.
Sadly for the Roar, his efforts partly masked a performance in which Brisbane were shaded comfortably by the Glory. It was another night of little reward for effort, with only a late Adam Taggart penalty putting the visitors on the board. Even one of Young’s best efforts found its way into his net, on another night of woe for the Roar.
2. Jordan Elsey (Adelaide United)
I am pleased that Graham Arnold was at Central Coast Stadium to watch Elsey go around against the Mariners on Sunday, as the two may develop something of a close relationship in the coming years.
I have him a little out of position here yet his presence commands a spot in this team. Michael Jakobsen might be the best thing that ever happens to the 24 year-old Adelaide native, as he uses his natural skills in combination with the know-how of an experienced professional.
3.Thomas Deng (Melbourne Victory)
I hope people resist the temptation to forget that the Kenyan-born Deng is still in fact just 21 years of age. The Victory needed some steel at the back against the Jets on Saturday night and despite the home side having the best of the contest early on, the visitors’ defence held firm, with Deng instrumental in that achievement.
What is impressing most is the improved decision making in his game; always blessed with great physical talent, he is another young Aussie on the radar of national coach Graham Arnold.
Thomas Deng with the ball during a match. (Photo by Ross Swanborough/Getty Images)
4. Jop van der Linden (Sydney FC)
The 28 year old Dutchman played his best game for the Sky Blues thus far, in a dominating defensive performance where City looked impotent for much of the contest.
While the midfield pressure of Sydney was impressive, van der Linden and co. in the last line rarely erred in either decision making or execution and frustrated the front three to the point of exasperation. His combination with Alex Wilkinson in the centre of defence looks one of the best in the league.
5. Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC)
Despite the most retro and debatable hairstyle in the league, Grant played his best game of the season on Friday night after missing an entire campaign thanks to injury. While many question his approach to the game and the aggressiveness of the challenges he often produces, the reality is that Grant was mighty close to Socceroo selection prior to injury and his manic pressure and bustle appeared to be well and truly back against City.
6. Terry Antonis (Melbourne Victory)
One of the most underrated players in the league, Antonis starred for the Victory in the grand final re-match with the Jets and proved the difference with a goal in the 71st minute.
There is still something untapped in Antonis and playing in a squad blessed with the depth that the Victory have, it could be a break out year for the 24 year-old Bankstown native. If Antonis’ new club help bring his potential to the surface, the A-League collectively had better watch out.
Terry Antonis celebrates a goal with fans. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
7. Alex Baumjohann (Western Sydney Wanderers)
There were signs that the 31 year-old German had some special gifts in the opening two rounds and after finding his feet over that period, he produced something special on Saturday.
Everything the Wanderers crafted stemmed from his work in the midfield and Roly Bonevacia had a field day collecting the fruits of his labour. Talk is circling that this man might just be one of the best in the A-League right now.
He looks a serious threat to Milos Ninkovic’s reputation as the top foreign marquee in the competition.
8. Paulo Retre (Sydney FC)
Retre announced himself to the Sydney fans on Friday night with brilliant performance against his old club Melbourne City.
How often that plays out and the 25 year old made the most of a good night out, with a goal and the neatest and classiest assist one could ever hope to see. After flicking home in the 16th minute, Retre provided the ball for Adam le Fondre’s second goal; laying it on a platter for the Englishman to score one of the goals of the week.
With the long term injury to Trent Buhagiar a problem for manager Steve Corica, Sydney may have found the answer in Retre, if he can regularly produce performances such as the one he did on Friday.
9. Adam le Fondre (Sydney FC)
Strikers can be hot and cold. Right now, le Fondre is white hot after a double on Friday night against City and four goals in three games for the Sky Blues.
Most impressive has been his work ethic and runs off the ball. Those runs create the spaces in which others can work and provide passing channels that don’t exist when attacks are stagnant. There is nothing stagnate about Sydney’s attack right now and le Fondre was at the heart of the 3-0 domination at AAMI Park.
Adam Le Fondre
10. Roly Bonevacia (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Always gifted with the ball and capable of the stunning, Bonevacia produced his most well balanced and rounded display for some time, as the Wanderers proved far too strong for Wellington across the ditch.
Despite some horrific weather throughout the match that made it difficult for individuals to shine, the Dutchman was excellent; feeding off the quality work of Baumjohann. Such was the attacking nature of his game, I have thrown him into the front three; so much time did he spend threatening the Phoenix goal.
11. Chris Ikonomidis (Perth Glory)
Graham Arnold had better keep a close eye on this young man. Still only 23 and after having enjoyed a wonderful football education; playing for three different clubs over the last three seasons while on loan from Lazio, he finally finds a permanent home in Perth.
Many tipped Ikonomidis to be one of the home grown stars of the league this season and if his performance against the Roar is any indication, the talk may well prove fact.
How do you feel that team stacks up? Is there a glaring omission or a player included that didn’t deserve selection?
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