With Adelaide United’s clash against Brisbane Roar fast approaching, we take a closer look at three dangermen the Reds should look out for when the two sides meet on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
Thomas Broich
As a young footballer, Thomas Broich was burdened with the expectation of developing into the next German superstar, however he never truly lived up to the extreme hype that surrounded him. Nevertheless, from the moment his outrageously skilful boots hit the turf at Suncorp Stadium, the attacking midfielder found his stage and has performed incredibly ever since.
With the ability to do almost anything you could possibly imagine with a football, Broich has won the Johnny Warren Medal for Hyundai A-League Player of the Year twice, firstly in 2010, then later in 2014. In addition, he was instrumental in Brisbane Roar’s Premiership winning sides from 2010/11 and 2013/14, as well as their Championship winning sides of 2010/11, 2011/12, and 2013/14.
Having already notched up one assist so far this season, Broich has demonstrated just how influential he can be in games and, despite the Roar’s Round 3 loss to Wellington Phoenix, his extensive experience and footballing knowledge will see him a constant threat against the Reds. His ingenuity can change matches in an instant and he should definitely be watched for the full 90.
Round 3:
Total Passes: 60
Passing Accuracy: 75%
Shot Assists: 2
Interceptions: 2
Corona
Spanish born Corona signed for the Roar at the start of this season and ventured into the Hyundai A-League as somewhat of an unknown. Yet his football résumé is rather profound.
Beginning his career at Real Madrid B, Corona moved to Real Zaragoza before eventually signing for UD Almería where he made over 250 appearances, scoring approximately 19 competitive goals. In addition, during his youth, Corona represented Spain’s U16, U17, U18, U20, and U21 sides, which in itself speaks of how highly he was rated when he was younger.
Now at 34-years-of-age, Corona enters his first season in the Hyundai A-League with the experience, wisdom, and class of a true professional. His quality has been on show in his first three domestic performances for the Roar, contributing one assist and he currently has the fourth most successful passes in the competition with 154, behind United’s Osama Malik (214), Isaías (211), and Dylan McGowan (205). But it could potentially be Corona’s range of passing that unsettles the Reds, with approximately 21.4% of them so far this season being long. United will need to nullify the threat he causes through such awareness and restrict his distribution of the ball as often as possible.
Round 3:
Passing Accuracy: 77.3%
Total Crosses: 11
Total Shots: 2
Shot Assists: 3
Jamie Maclaren
Jamie Maclaren’s sudden rise to notoriety came through numerous standout performances last season for his former side, Perth Glory, through which he bagged nine Hyundai A-League goals. Maclaren joined the Roar during pre-season and has taken no time in settling into life in Brisbane.
To date, Maclaren has contributed to more than half of Roar’s seven goals this season, providing two assists, but also scoring two goals – a brace on his debut for his new club in their season opener against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Maclaren’s capacity to remain calm in front of goal and finish clinically is incredibly beneficial for the Roar, providing the likes of Broich and Corona with the perfect target man. This, in conjunction with his pace, could put the Reds on the back foot, as he is more than comfortable playing direct towards goal, or starting out wider and creeping in to create space for himself, or his teammates.
Round 2:
Goals: 0
Shots: 3
Shot Assists: 3
Total Crosses: 2
