After another ripping round of the A-League, here’s this week’s pick of the best-performed players in the competition.
1. Eugene Galekovic (Melbourne City)
The veteran was at his best against a Reds side that created a mountain of chances at Coopers Stadium.
Despite the apparent comfort of a 2-0 victory, the reality of the contest saw the 37-year-old called upon time and time again.
He made himself incredibly large when required and pulled off a couple of outstanding saves with the Reds looking to get back into the contest.
2. Daniel Georgievski (Newcastle Jets)
Despite having to shift from one side of the pitch to the other after Ernie Merrick sought to bring Jason Hoffman into the game earlier rather than later, Georgievski was outstanding for the Jets in a losing team.
Newcastle struggled to finish chances after concocting a multitude of shots on goal; many of which stemmed from the good work of Georgievski.
For the second week in a row he makes the team of the week.
3. Steven Taylor (Wellington Phoenix)
The Englishman was, once again, superb at the back in Wellington’s victory over the hapless Mariners.
After his stunning headed goal against Sydney FC at Jubilee Stadium last weekend, Round 8 saw Taylor repel the Central Coast’s best attacking waves with a solid and defiant presence while still finding his way forward and posing an attacking threat of his own.
His performance gave the visitors very little chance of hitting the target when he was in the general vicinity.
4. Shane Lowry (Perth Glory)
Lowry is fast becoming one of my favourite players in the A-League. Once again, he was a tower of strength at the back of a stern and resilient Perth defence.
Considering that once a two-goal lead had been established and Tony Popovic looked to his defence to complete the job and hold out a threatening Jets, Lowry’s performance takes on even more importance.
He is one of the most consistent and proficient defenders in the league and Popovic must be enjoying having his influence at the back of his Glory defence.
5. Bart Schenkeveld (Melbourne City)
The best pair of thighs in the competition was at it again in Adelaide on Sunday night; solidifying the City defence to deny the Red’s attacks time and time again.
Craig Goodwin and co made things difficult for Melbourne City at the back, yet Schenkeveld held firm throughout and denied the home side, despite the ample chances they created.
6. Liberato Cacace (Wellington Phoenix)
This man has been slowly but surely creeping up on the A-League team of the week and produced a quality performance against the Mariners at the cake tin.
There is a maturity and poise about his work; his willingness to track, chase and clean up dangerous situations is noticeable.
Moving forward, he is no slouch and with Wellington in impressive form, his skills have been accentuated over the fortnight just passed.
7. Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix)
It was another wonderful performance from the young kiwi, ably supported by the quality runs and unselfishness of Roy Krishna up front.
That was never more evident than in Singh’s goal, where Krishna was the generous provider.
The 21-year-old has shown much promise in his short A-League career and looks to be taking the steps required to become an elite player in the competition.
8. Keisuke Honda (Melbourne Victory)
Wow, wow, wow and flat out wow. Thanks for coming Keisuke, after only eight rounds it has been an absolute treat.
Once again, the Japanese pulled the strings, drove the troops and made a statement as to who is the best technician in the A-League at this moment in time.
Sometimes it is just nice to have witnessed something, irrespective of club or national allegiance and Honda’s time in Australia will stay with me forever.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
9. Ola Toivonen (Melbourne Victory)
Perhaps I should just cut and paste this man’s name into the team of the week every seven days; such is his current form. Once again Toivonen was outstanding.
It is hard to think of a recent A-League striking marquee with a greater sense of selflessness.
The key to the Victory front line has been distribution and the willingness of its members to find a player in a better position or with greater opportunity.
The Swede has led the way in developing that culture within the Victory attacking group.
10. James Troisi (Melbourne Victory)
The 30 year-old produced one of those performances that keeps him in the mind’s eye of the national selectors.
Many still remain unconvinced of Troisi’s ability to produce consistent quality and perhaps Friday night was another example of the frustration that he causes fans.
The knowledge that Troisi can indeed produce efforts such as the one he did against the Roar furthers the question as to why it doesn’t happen more often.
That aside, it was a classy game from a man benefiting from the quality of the front line around him.
11. Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United)
Even as a member of a losing team Goodwin was a standout at Coopers Stadium, as Melbourne City upset the Reds.
Tireless runs down the flanks had the City defence under immense pressure throughout the contest and but for the defensive skill of a resilient back three, Goodwin may have created or scored a couple of goals for the home side.
The Asian Cup looks a likely destination for the Adelaide native.
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