With Adelaide United’s clash against Melbourne City fast approaching, we take a closer look at three dangermen the Reds should look out for when the two sides meet on Thursday at Coopers Stadium.
Aaron Mooy
This season, Aaron Mooy has almost single-handedly reignited the Hyundai A-League in season 2015/16 coming into his own as Melbourne City’s key man. Justifying his new Australian Marquee status with a string of outstanding performances, Mooy’s distribution has arguably been the most prolific in the competition. His awareness guides City’s midfield and he’s already notched up two assists this season, threatening from ample dead-ball situations. But not only is he a menace going forward, his work rate and willingness to track back is immense, winning 85.7% of tackles and four vital interceptions. Mooy’s ability to consistently perform at a high level makes him a real danger-man and will need to be pressured at his every possession to ensure the Reds can have total dominance in the middle of the park.
Round 4:
Goals: 1
Shots: 2
Shot Assists: 6
Passing Accuracy: 82.2%
Total Crosses: 9
Stefan Mauk
20-year-old South Australian, Stefan Mauk, has started the new season in excellent form, having already managed two goals and one assist in three appearances. His bursts of exuberance through City’s midfield and in a number of their attacks effectively adds to their unpredictability. The composure he has shown on the ball has been refreshing at times from such a young talent, as his ability to thread a pass can often cut through opposition defences. Despite dropping off the radar in the second half last weekend against Newcastle Jets, his youthfulness can cause flashes of brilliance. Mauk’s versatility and speed enables him to regularly roam across the forward half of City’s third, often finding pockets of space that can cause damage to United’s defence if not taken out of the equation.
Round 4:
Goals: 1
Total Shots: 2
Passing Accuracy: 90%
Shot Assists: 3
Bruno Fornaroli
Melbourne City signed Bruno Fornaroli just prior to 2015/16 with a plethora of experience gained from Uruguay, Italy, and Greece adding to his attraction. In his first four Hyundai A-League games, Fornaroli has looked incredibly comfortable leading the line for City. Having converted three of his five shots on target, his proficiency in front of goal is blatant, yet his innate sense to create has seen him generate at least five clear-cut chances, providing one assist. Fornaroli’s speed and tenacity without the ball is just as ferocious when he is in possession, but his hunger for goals is incredible. The service he demands from his teammates is profound, so too his passion for the game, possessing an intense desire to win. United must stop the service into the Uruguayan and squeeze any space he may find.
Round 4:
Total Shots: 3
Shots on Target: 1
Duels Won: 33.3%
Touches: 35
