Opinion
In Round 20, it was tough to choose the team of the week as per usual with a lot of good football being played, most of which was entertaining with 16 goals scored in five games.
There wasn’t any player that didn’t deserve their spot as all fitted into the jigsaw puzzle. This round happens to be a formation of 3-4-3.
Formation: 3-4-3
Starting XI: Filip Kurto, Nigel Boogaard, Luke DeVere, Dylan McGowan, Bruce Kamau, Steven Ugarkovic, Angus Thurgate, James Meredith, Diego Castro, Mitchell Duke, David Ball
Filip Kurto (Western United)
Kurto kept Western United in the game as he made some freakish saves – seven, to be exact! The scoreboard wouldn’t have been respectable had he not been playing, with Western United losing 2-0, when it should have been a far bigger margin between the two teams.
Nigel Boogaard (centre back, Newcastle Jets)
Boogaard was outstanding, leading by example for the Newcastle Jets. He let his actions do the talking as he was solid in defence and quality when he passed the ball, which helped the Jets control the tempo of the game for much of it.
Luke DeVere (centre back, Wellington Phoenix)
DeVere showed that he may well warrant another contract if he can continue to replicate the form he displayed in Round 20 for the Wellington Phoenix. DeVere wasn’t only good defensively, but calm when he had possession of the ball.
Dylan McGowan (centre back, Western Sydney Wanderers)
There were two notable occasions in the second half where McGowan prevented Adelaide United from scoring, the first of which came in the 51st minute and the second came in the 78th. He is in this team despite the fact that his team conceded two goals, because it could have been much more without the presence of McGowan in defence.
(Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bruce Kamau (right wing, Western Sydney Wanderers)
Kamau played an outstanding game in a position that suited him. Credit has to go to caretaker manager Jean-Paul de Marigny for giving Kamau a role that suits the manner in which he plays. If this performance by Kamau is the start of a trend and not an aberration, he could play overseas and for the Socceroos, but as it stands it’s one good game. Hopefully that’s the standard that he can play at week in, week out.
Steven Ugarkovic (centre midfield, Newcastle Jets)
Ugarkovic continued on from the form that he has displayed often of late. He made astute runs in the middle of the park and passed the ball well.
Angus Thurgate (centre midfield, Newcastle Jets)
Thurgate showed that he can play in the centre of midfield on a permanent basis as he not only worked hard when the Newcastle Jets had the ball, but also when Melbourne Victory had possession.
James Meredith (left wing, Perth Glory)
Meredith worked tirelessly. He made many runs forward and was always solid defensively.
Diego Castro (striker, Perth Glory)
Castro is still a great player, despite being in the twilight of his career. He clearly benefited from being rested by Tony Popovic as he was at his best in Round 20. It’s a pleasure to watch some of Castro’s exquisite passing and classy touches of the ball.
(AAP Image/Tony McDonough)
Mitchell Duke (striker, Western Sydney Wanderers)
Duke displayed why he is captain of the Western Sydney Wanderers, scoring a brace and working hard without the ball, as per usual.
David Ball (striker, Wellington Phoenix)
Ball scored the all important second goal of the game for the Wellington Phoenix with a clever chip over Filip Kurto. Ball’s work rate was impressive and an important part of the Phoenix line-up.
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