The Inner Sanctum's A-League Men Team of the Week for Round 12. (Photos: Brisbane Roar; Western United; Newcastle Jets)
The Inner Sanctum has put together a team of the week comprised of the best performing players that took part in Round 12 of the A-League Men season.
Despite having only four men’s fixtures, this game weekend offered us a lot of exciting moments and beautiful goals.
Saturday saw Western United climb up to the second place with only goal difference separating them from first-placed Melbourne Victory. While on Sunday, Steve Corica’s Sydney FC won its first game since Boxing Day in remarkable fashion.
Here’s The Inner Sanctum’s Team of the Week for Matchday 12.
Goalkeeper and defenders
GK: Tom Glover (Melbourne City)
The Olyroos goalkeeper did end up on the losing side, but his performance against Western United was arguably his best since the start of the season. The 24-year-old keeper made a total of five saves, including a phenomenal penalty save to deny former Johnny Warren Medallist Alessandro Diamanti.
RB: Joshua Risdon (Western United)
Risdon was exceptional for United once again. According to FotMob, the full-back had the most tackles (seven) in the game and won the most duels (15), while also completing four out of four attempted dribbles and making 11 ball recoveries.
CB: Scott Neville (Brisbane Roar)
Neville makes his debut in our TOTW after a very solid defensive display against the Western Sydney Wanderers. The veteran defender won four duels and made nine clearances, helping Brisbane to its second clean sheet in the last three games.
CB: Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Western United)
A brilliant display from a brilliant player! Nikolai Topor-Stanley didn’t put a foot wrong in his 350th ALM appearance. He finished with six duels won, five clearances, eight ball recoveries, and a clean sheet to celebrate the big occasion.
LB: Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners)
Farrell did concede an unfortunate penalty, but aside from that, he had a great game. He created one goalscoring chance (according to FotMob), but defence was where he actually did his best work. The youngster had the most tackles (three) and won the most duels (12) while also impressing with his good decision-making.
More Football News
- Kealey Adamson finds new home with the Macarthur Bulls
- Socceroos return to CommBank Stadium ahead of clash with Lebanon
- Euro 2024 draw: Can Southgate end 58 years of English hurt in Germany?
Midfielders
DM: Oliver Bozanic (Central Coast Mariners)
Central Coast ended up on the losing side at Leichhardt Oval, but its captain’s performance was once again fantastic. Bozanic marshalled the midfield with ease and scored a goal of the season contender with a perfectly placed shot from outside of the box.
CM: Steven Lustica (Western United)
Lustica continued his fine form with his second goal in the same number of games. The 30-year-old worked hard both on and off the ball and got his reward in the second half by scoring the winner with a fantastic half-volley.
AM: Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC)
It was two goals and another MOTM display from Caceres who’s arguably in the best form of his career. Only ten games into the 2021/22 season, the former Manchester City man has already equalled his goal and assist tally (six) for the past two seasons.
Forwards
RW: Olivier Boumal (Newcastle Jets)
The Cameroonian international was on fire in the Jets’ first game since the start of December. Not only did he provide an excellent assist for Beka Mikeltadze’s goal, but he also completed the most dribbles (six), created the most chances (four), and won the most fouls (three) in the game.
ST: Beka Mikeltadze (Newcastle Jets)
The Georgian scored his fifth goal in six games in spectacular fashion. He also worked very hard defensively, regularly dropping back to aid the midfield and provide a passing option. Unfortunately, the only thing that was missing were the three points at the end.
LW: Nikola Mileusnic (Brisbane Roar)
Mileusnic is another debutant on our TOTW. The pacey winger played one of his best games for the Roar, scoring two goals and being a constant menace for the Wanderers defenders who really couldn’t deal with his speed.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
About Author
