In what’s been a tough Hyundai A-League campaign for Adelaide United, the form of livewire left-back Ben Garuccio has been a major highlight.
The 21-year-old has played every minute of every game so far and been a consistent contributor both in defence and getting forward.
Born and raised in Adelaide, Garuccio got his start in the Hyundai A-League at Melbourne Heart (now City) making 45 appearances over four seasons.
But he was enticed home for the 2016/17 Season as a replacement for Sparta Rotterdam-bound Craig Goodwin. And he’s proved an excellent signing.
The Australian under-20 international loves to dribble and take on his direct opponent, and has evaded more challenges than any other player in the competition.
His stats for this season (going into Round 12):
- 24 successful dribbles
- 25 open play crosses and 24 successful dribbles
- Two assists (equal most of any Reds player)
- Won 25 tackles
- Made 44 interceptions, and 20 clearances
The AIS graduate started out his career as a winger but has been converted to a left-back in recent years, with the defensive side of his game improving all the time.
Garuccio is Adelaide through and through and if the Reds are to turn their season around, his eye-catching displays will need to continue.
An exciting talent and worthy as one to watch in this season’s NAB Young Footballer of the Year award.
