Darcy Patterson
new author
Roar Rookie
The A-League has seen some great number nines over the years, and some not so good ones.
Here is my list of the top five strikers currently playing:
5.Emile Heskey
The big fella came into the league with big expectations and to the most part he has fulfilled them. With nine goals so far and many 90 minute games, he has certainly impressed me.
The former English number nine has not only helped the Jets in the goals department, he has also been a great leader for the team.
A few weeks ago when the Jets needed to hold a lead for the last five minutes he even dropped back into central defence.
Even as a great striker, it seems like he has the attitude that he will do anything to help his team.
4. Danny McBreen
Although Danny is the top scorer and his team is right up the top, I kept him at four because the past two seasons he hasn’t been nearly as successful.
He is a great poacher but he is surrounded by great assisting players. Danny is at four because I doubt the fortunes of the Mariners would be any different with any other poacher.
But nevertheless it takes some talent to slot 15 into the back of the net.
3. Shane Smeltz
Shane has been a clinical finisher from way back when he started at the Phoenix. Perth is in a rough patch this year but we can still see Shane putting away classy goals with not much service.
Consistency is the reason Shane is at number three.
2. Archie Thompson
Archie Thompson, the A-League’s highest goal scorer, has played in every season of the League (apart from a short lone spell to Asia).
Archie’s pairing with young Rojas this year has netted a combined 20 goals. Archie is a complete striker.
With enough pace to beat defenders, he can win a header, provide a great finishing move, has great vision and awareness, and overall he plays the exiting style that Aussies want to see.
1. Alessandro Del Piero
The Italian maestro. Del Piero has netted 12 this campaign and the way he has done it is truly amazing.
The 38-year-old has seemed to sometimes move in slow motion but no one can get near him.
The first game of the season for Sydney, ADP hit a cracker of a free kick after missing 1st team action for almost a year.
He carries the whole of the Sydney team on his shoulders, always looking for the ball and thinking of new ways to score. His left foot, 30 yard goal last week and his dazzling of the Brisbane defence two months ago show the range he has.
From the record crowds, to the four-goal game, to copping the most fouls, and to the pay cheque, Alessandro is the number one goal scorer in the A-League today.