With Adelaide United’s clash against Perth Glory fast approaching, we take a closer look at three dangermen the Reds should look out for when the two sides meet on Sunday at nib Stadium.
Nebojša Marinković
Having scored against the Reds in our last two matches, Marinković is expected to be a further threat in this meeting of the two sides. Although recently coming back from injury against Melbourne City in the Westfield FFA Cup Semi-Finals, Marinković performed confidently and was consistently dangerous when Glory went forward.
Since arriving in Western Australia in January 2015, the midfielder previously plied his trade in his home nation, Serbia, representing them at U17, U19, and U21 levels, as well as gaining invaluable experience in Greece, Sweden, and Israel. He’s renowned for his precision from dead ball situations and his ability to spray passes from deep in midfield has been key to unlocking many opposition defences for Perth.
Westfield FFA Cup Semi-Finals:
Total Passes: 28
Passing Accuracy: 78.6%
Total Crosses: 11
Successful Crosses: 72.7%
Shot Assists: 6
Diego Castro
Glory’s new marquee, 33-year-old Spaniard, Diego Castro, signed for the club at the start of this season, accompanied by a very impressive and thorough playing résumé. Castro, who previously spent his entire playing career in Spain, played seven consecutive years in La Liga, first for Sporting de Gijón then Getafe, until making the switch to the Hyundai A-League.
Amassing more than 220 La Liga appearances during his time in Spain, Castro bagged 43 goals from wide positions and often looked to keep the ball on his favoured right foot, regularly cutting in from the left to create space for a strike on goal. Playing a staring role in Glory’s win over Melbourne City in the Westfield FFA Cup Semi-Finals, notching up an assist, Castro’s darting runs down the flanks can cause some of the best defences problems and, if United isn’t careful, his proficiency could be destructive.
Round 2:
Goals: 0
Shot Assists: 2
Total Crosses: 3
Duels Won: 46.2%
György Sándor
Another new addition to the Perth side, György Sándor made an immediate impact after joining the Western Australian outfit from Hungarian first division side, Videoton FC, where he captained the club. Sándor has managed two goals in the opening two rounds of the Hyundai A-League so far this season, whilst also getting on the score sheet in Glory’s Westfield FFA Cup Semi-Final against Melbourne City on Wednesday night.
The Ukrainian-born, Hungarian international has represented his country nine times since 2006 and has adapted well to the challenge of coming to the Hyundai A-League from a European club. Someone who likes to get on the ball and knock it about, Sándor’s already proved his adept eye for goal and quality in the final third and should be closely watched by the Reds through the 90.
Round 2:
Goals: 1
Shots: 2
Shots on Target: 2
Shot Assists: 1
Adelaide United will face Perth Glory in Round 3 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Sunday, 25 October, 2015, at nib Stadium. Kick off is at 6.30pm ACDT.
