The A-League has been entertaining up until its postponement.
It’s due to start again on July 16. This is how Adelaide United’s season was assessed as it stands prior to the restart.
What’s the story?
After winning the FFA Cup, the remainder of the A-League 2019-20 season has been a mixed bag. They have had some decent results with the exception of their last four games in the 2019-20 season as it stands. They have conceded 15 goals in the last four games so something has to change.
The goalkeeping and left back positions have been their weakness. Admittedly they have missed Al Hassan Toure through injury, who was instrumental in Adelaide winning the FFA Cup. They have also been without Mirko Boland and Nathan Konstandopoulos through injury, which has impacted them in the middle of the park.
Riley McGree and Stefan Mauk were astute signings. They are both midfielders that have the capability of going overseas and playing for the Socceroos.
The five most talented players
5. Stefan Mauk was recruited to Adelaide United because he is a quality player.
4. Jordan Elsey has the potential to be a future captain of the club. Elsey can have a great career if he plays to his optimum level.
3. George Blackwood has the potential to be clinical in the final third. Blackwood just needs to be more consistent.
2. Ryan Strain has the capability of being the best right back in the competition.
1. Riley McGree produces plenty of havoc for opposition teams in the final third.
(Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Honourable mention: Mohamed Toure is a talented youngster with plenty of potential.
Most adaptable player
Ryan Kitto can play left back or a more attacking role if needed. It appears as if he needs a change from left back and would be more suited further up the field if needed. It was impossible to separate Ryan Kitto and Michael Marrone as far as adaptability is concerned as Marrone has the capability to play anywhere in the back four. There’s also George Blackwood, who couldn’t be left out as Blackwood performed admirably up front and in the middle of the park.
Who needs to lift?
Paul Izzo and the back four need to prove that they warrant a spot in the starting line-up. Adelaide United conceded 15 goals in their last four games of the season, which is unacceptable. It’s difficult to single anyone out. For instance, Paul Izzo didn’t have any major blunders. The entire team needs to defend better, and they need to press from the front. Unfortunately, ultimately there are a lot of good goalkeepers in the A-League so the number of goals conceded from a simplistic perspective is a reflection on Izzo. More specifically Louis D’Arrigo and Michael Maria need to improve defensively in order to prove they belong at A-League level.
What has to alter?
Michael Marrone and Ryan Kitto should be involved in some capacity whether it be in the starting line-up or as impact players coming off the bench. Marrone may even benefit from a chance to play at left back – necessity is the mother of invention as Michael Maria and Ryan Kitto have found it difficult to prove they warrant a starting role in the left back position.
Unfortunately for Paul Izzo, he may need some time on the bench or a change of goalkeeper can bring a change of fortune. Newcastle Jets changed goalkeepers from Glen Moss to Lewis Italiano and it changed the fortunes of the team and gave the entire team confidence. Even bringing in a goalkeeper from youth level may change the morale of the squad. In no way is this a reflection on Izzo’s ability as Adelaide United performed admirably in the 2018-19 A-League season, with Izzo being a part of that.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Yep. Good assessment of the quality (or lack thereof) contained in this article!
AndyAdelaide
Roar Rookie
your list of top 5 talented Adelaide players is laughable (4 of them shouldn't even be in there). The critique of Izzo is miles off as well (amazing shot stopper, distribution not so much) we have an 18 year old who is still growing into his body having to cover multiple positions because everyone bombs forward with reckless abandonment & my god is it beautiful to watch when it works, but a trainwreck when it fails. we have a left back that doesnt defend, 2 cb's who are error and injury prone & a right back who is continually getting dragged out of position to cover the 3 players to his left who are out of position or lack of concentration. visa recruitment has been poor, however we have an amazing bunch of kids who are coming through and starting to grow while playing a super attacking brand of football (best in the league when it works). it's always funny to see an interstaters view of the team who I bet has barely even seen a match or knows the inner workings of the club
EJ
Roar Pro
I think its a bit harsh to say D'arrigo needs to improve his defensive game to prove he is a a-league quality player. He has the second most tackles in the competition. He's only 18 as well in his first full year and has been named in a few A-League team of the seasons (so far). As a reds fan I think he's done an extremely good job to fill Isaias' boots.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Halloran is probably the only player I’d pick from this Adelaide side if I were assembling a team from scratch. I agree totally with you on Izzo by the way, a very bright prospect once upon a time now looks a below average keeper.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Roger - there’s no doubting his work rate or enthusiasm. But Striker is such a key position and Blackwood was listed by the author as one of this sides most talented players - that’s a pretty damning statement
Fadida
Roar Rookie
Are you suggesting Mileusnic isn't Australian? I really, really rate him. Just a lack of consistency is stopping SFC poaching him
Fadida
Roar Rookie
I've been a huge GB critic, but even I have to admit he's shown plenty of improvement. Still shouldn't be a starter in any serious team though. His touch and finishing are still below average, as is his composure. Which shows the low bar he started with!
NoMates
Guest
Cant see AUFC making the 6 this season, i enjoy watching there games but this year they have been a real hit and miss. The cum in with a new coach too so cant see them winning many games on restart.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Nothing wrong with putting any player on the bench occasionally, even Riley McGree.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
I believe that if Halloran doesn’t do anything in the final third he doesn’t contribute, even though he may have scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
That's exactly what I mean about Blackwood.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
I was choosing the players I believe are the most talented of all the players, whether Australian or foreign bares no relevance. It’s an extremely subjective exercise. I believe that although Jakobsen is past his best, he is an outstanding leader and Captain.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
been away too long Waz, Halloran not O'Halloran
Waz
Roar Rookie
Good point. I think this is a great topic for an article, but analysing 11 teams and knowing enough about each team to make sense is a big ask - I don't think the author is that familiar with the Reds.
At work
Roar Rookie
I think Blackwood has had enough years to fulfil his potential, I think his role should be as a supporting / bench role.
Rodger King
Guest
Waz, i understand your sentiments, but as you don't watch them live, week in week out, i can forgive you for having those feelings about Blackwood. He does a lot of work off the ball by dragging defenders out of position. Things you don't see on TV.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Have I missed something or is Ben O'Halloran not at AU any more? He's been the one holding the erratic younger players together. Good luck to them, I'll be relieved to see them, and any team really, on the park.
Le Hack
Guest
Being the first of your articles on the teams coming into the back end of the season, I'm unsure whether you are doing most talented players based just on Australian players or on all players. If all then I would suggest that Nicola Mileusnic should have been at no. 1, but if you don't rate him then that's Adelaide's problem this season that there has not been enough quality Visa players. Apart from Jakobsen who is getting on now, the others; Maria, Opseth, Boland have'nt actually been much chop.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Blackwood. Sums it up, won’t make finals.