New Post has been published on www.sportsbanter.com.au
New Post has been published on http://www.sportsbanter.com.au/sport-banters-a-league-team-of-the-season/
Sport Banter's A-League Team of the Season
The tenth season of the A-League is almost done and dusted, with Melbourne Victory clinching the Premiers’ Plate. In a year of high action and controversy, Sports Banter names the team of the 2014-15 season.
A-League Team of the Season 2014-15
Goalkeeper
Eugene Galekovic
The 33-year-old Adelaide custodian is the only goalkeeper in the competition to have played in each of the ten seasons and just like a nice wine, Galekovic just gets better and better. He was named in both the World Cup and Asian Cup despite not making an appearance at either. The former Melbourne Victory gloves man made 65 saves this season and kept seven clean sheets. His efforts in Round 24 was one of the best individual performances in the first decade. Not even a Marc Janko-led Sydney could get past him, the Socceroo also assisted the winner in a 1-0 win.
Right Back
Tarek Elrich
The 28-year-old former Newcastle and Western Sydney defender had a break out season for Josep Gombau’s men this season. After being left out at both of his former clubs, Elrich came back better, stronger, quicker and more experienced this season. He was credited with six assists this season which is remarkable for a wing back. His form was rewarded with a debut for the Socceroos and he capped off an incredible season with what will most likely win goal of the season last week against Melbourne City.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12SOKN9INL4
Centre Backs
Dino Djulbic
Big Dino Djulbic made his return to the A-League after spending three seasons overseas and returned to the club he left in 2009. The Perth Glory hard man formed an almost unbreakable partnership with Michael Thwaite and the rest of the Glory defence which only conceded 35 goals. The 32-year-old made 36 successful tackles and made 170 clearances, finishing second behind Melbourne City’s Patrick Kisnorbo with 185.
Michael Thwaite
Djulbic’s partner-in-crime Michael Thwaite was just as good he was this season, the former Gold Coast United teammates formed an indomitable partnership and were the backbone behind Perth’s successful (on-field) campaign. The former Socceroo also made 36 tackles and finished just behind his fellow central defender with 166 tackles.
Left Back
Scott Jamieson
Former Adelaide and Sydney defender Scott Jamieson impressed many this season with his consistent performances. The bull terrier of the Perth Glory defence, Jamieson played a vital role in propelling Perth up the ladder this season. The 26-year-old made 85 clearances, 51 tackles and scored an stunning free kick to defeat the Western Sydney Wanderers back in round five.
Central Midfielders
Aaron Mooy
When people think signing of the year, the likes of Marc Janko, Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Nathan Burns come to mind. However Aaron Mooy has got to be a contender for the award. The 24-year-old made the off-season move from Western Sydney to Melbourne City and starred in a team which featured Damien Duff, Robert Koren and World Cup winner David Villa. The versatile midfielder was not selected for the Asian Cup but was merited with an international cap against Germany and Macedonia. Mooy did his part in the City midfield with 93 tackles and over 1,000 passes. He also helped out in attack scoring and creating seven goals.
Marcelo Carrusca
The third Adelaide player to make the team, Marcelo Carrusca has arguably become one of the best players in the A-League under Gombau. The maestro is at the centre of most of United’s attacks and his side’s struggle in his absence is a testament to how much he is relied upon in this team. The former Argentinian youth international brought the Panenka to the A-League and also netted seven times this season. With him in the team Adelaide will be a formidable opponent in the finals.
Milos Dimitrijevic
After a full pre-season under his belt the Serbian quickly became one of the best players in his position in the competition. His possesses strength, vision and an eye for goal and Sydney FC benefitted from his performances this season. Dimitrijevic made 38 tackles as well over 1,000 passes. He also scored a stunner in round three in a 2-0 away win over the Brisbane Roar.
Right Winger
Nathan Burns
Nathan Burns was one of those players who seemed to have dented their careers with an abrupt move overseas. However a permanent move back to the A-League after six years away has resurrected the his career. Ernie Merrick brought him over to the Wellington Phoenix, a club where he can play without too much expectation. But his fine form put the whole Australia on notice as he was rewarded with a spot in Ange Postecoglou’s winning Asian Cup squad. His form also attracted interest from China but stayed in the league to finish second on the golden boot with a tally of 13 goals.
Striker
Marc Janko
The beginning of Marc Janko’s A-League career was met with much criticism. He took a while to adjust to the Australian style and Sydney FC did not quite know how to play to the 6’5 Austrian. But after the Asian Cup break a different Janko burst out of the blocks and took the Sky Blues back in title contention scoring 12 goals in seven consecutive games. However, the 31-year-old has not scored since March. The tall forward produced plenty of individual highlights this season, including this long range effort against Brisbane.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2rdgw8f7Vk
Left Winger
Fahid Ben Khalfallah
Fahid Ben Khalfallah was an unknown in Australian football at the beginning of the A-League season but 27 rounds later he has made a name for himself in this country. The former Bordeaux attacker was a standout for Melbourne Victory, playing a hand in 14 goals, including three impressive assists in a 3-0 win over the Wanderers. The Tunisian has since been rewarded with a new contract that will keep him at the Victory until 2017.
Manager
Graham Arnold
An A-League winner with the Central Coast Mariners, Graham Arnold must be credited by the way he revived this Sydney FC outfit. After a failed stint with Japan’s Vegalta Sendai, he returned to Australian football and transformed Sydney. Never have they looked so good in attack and his recruitment was outstanding, bringing in the likes of Janko and youngster Alex Gersbach. The 51-year-old has the best chance of winning silverware for the Sky Blues since they last took out the title in 2009-10.
