The A-League has been entertaining up until its postponement.
It’s due to start again on July 16. This is how the Wellington Phoenix season was assessed as it stands prior to the restart.
What’s the story?
Wellington Phoenix would be pleased with their season as they sit third on the A-League ladder. Wellington Phoenix Coach Ufuk Talay has done a fantastic job in building a solid culture and a team that not only has a winning mentality, but plays good football.
They are extremely well led by Steven Taylor who played for Newcastle United in England in 215 occasions. The entire squad appears to be cohesive. Phoenix are arguably the form team at least from a results perspective with regards to their last four games, which they have won all four games, having won two of the four games by three goals, another game by two goals and they narrowly defeated Melbourne City 1-nil.
They are a team that should be aiming to challenge for the title when the A-League 2019-20 finals are played, as they are capable of beating anyone as it stands.
The five most talented players
5: David Ball has contributed plenty in the final third in the A-League 2019-20 season as it stands. Ball has scored six goals and provided four assists.
4: Steven Taylor has been absolutely outstanding for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League 2019-20 season. Taylor always appears to play to his optimum level.
3: Ulises Davilla has arguably been the best foreign player in the A-League 2019-20 season. Davilla has scored 11 goals and contributed 5 assists as it stands.
2: Liberato Cacace should be universally lauded as being the best left-back in the competition. Cacace makes many runs down the left-hand side; he plays more like a left-winger, despite playing as a left-back. He has scored three goals and provided one assist in the A-League 2019-20 season.
1: Stefan Marinovic is the best goalkeeper in the competition. Marinovic makes everything look easy. Marinovic has kept three clean sheets in Wellington Phoenix’s last four A-League fixtures. He has kept four clean sheets for the season. Despite the fact that he has only made the fifth most saves in the A-League 2019-20 season he has a calming influence on his teammates and always seems composed.
Honourable Mention: Luke DeVere may be nearing the end of his career, but you wouldn’t know it. DeVere should be highly respected for the quality defender that he is as a pivotal part of the Wellington Phoenix’s defence.
Adaptable Player
Brandon Wilson has the capability of playing in the centre of midfield or at right-back. Wilson may be needed to play as Tim Payne won’t be in the reckoning for suspension as he has to serve a four-game suspension along with back up goal Oliver Sail.
Who needs to lift?
It’s virtually impossible to find a player that has to lift for the Wellington Phoenix. Every player plays their role for the team, whether it be in the starting line up or as an impact player off the bench.
What has to alter?
Nothing, apart from someone filling in for Tim Payne at right back. Brandon Wilson appears the obvious option, although Cameron Devlin or Alex Rufer are also capable of filling the void.
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