A-League Round 18: Team of the week

This week was tough to choose a goalkeeper and defenders as every team conceded a minimum of one goal.

But a the end of the day the 11 players I choose must fit into the formation chosen, not necessarily comprise the 11 best players.

As there was so many goals scored in Round 18, it was difficult to pick strikers as well as there was an average of almost five goals per game.

Starting XI
Jamie Young, Macaulay Gillesphey, Jordan Elsey, Tom Aldred, Joshua Brillante, Neil Kilkenny, Florin Berenguer, Steven Ugarkovic, Bruno Fornaroli, Nick D’Agostino, Dimitri Petratos

Formation: 3-4-3

(AAP Image/Sean Garnsworthy)

Goalkeeper

Jamie Young (Brisbane Roar)
Young conceded a goal due to a world-class strike by Ben Halloran. That’s usually what it takes to score against Young. Yet again there has been a correlation with the introduction of Young into the starting line-up and the Roar playing good football.

Defenders

Centre back: Macaulay Gillesphey (Brisbane Roar)
Gillesphey was unwavering in his work rate. He played a superb game, which led to the Brisbane Roar winning in Round 18 against Adelaide United.

Centre back: Jordan Elsey (Adelaide United)
Elsey was unbelievably good for Adelaide United despite the fact he couldn’t stop the Brisbane Roar’s second goal going into the back of the net. In the first half he thwarted some of the Roar attacking forays.

Centre back: Tom Aldred (Brisbane Roar)
Aldred scored a pivotal goal that proved to be the winning score against Adelaide United.

Midfielders

Defensive midfielder: Joshua Brillante (Melbourne City)
Brillante didn’t stop working for the team. It’s doubtful that Melbourne City would have got all three points in Round 18 against Melbourne Victory if he wasn’t in the squad.

Central midfielder: Neil Kilkenny (Perth Glory)
Kilkenny played a pivotal role for Perth Glory, controlling the middle of the park in the absence of Diego Castro. Kilkenny’s set pieces were particularly impressive.

Central midfielder: Florin Berenguer (Melbourne City)
Berenguer finished the game with the opening goal of the game and also provided the assist for Melbourne City’s second goal.

Central midfielder: Steven Ugarkovic (Newcastle Jets)
Ugarkovic played extremely well, helping the Jets to control the tempo of the game. He continually got into good positions and passed the ball exquisitely. He was unlucky not to score a goal.

Strikers

Striker: Bruno Fornaroli (Perth Glory)
Fornaroli scored a cracking goal late in the game and also provided an assist for the second goal that Perth Glory scored.

Striker: Nick D’Agostino (Perth Glory)
For the second week in a row D’Agostino displayed the form that he showed in the Olyroos as he finished the game with a brace.

Striker: Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets)
Petratos scored two goals himself and also provided some good set pieces.