The outstanding seasons of three of Adelaide United’s foreign stars has been recognised after they were announced in the Professional Football Association (PFA) Team of the Year.
Cassio, Marcos Flores and Sergio van Dijk were all rewarded for their efforts throughout the 27 week minor round with inclusion into the highly regarded Team of the Year, which is voted on by all players in the Hyundai A-League.
Looking back on the trio-s performances, few could argue that their selections in the team set up in a 4-3-3 formation were warranted.
Van Dijk was the league-s leading scorer and Golden Boot winner as he finished five ahead of his nearest rival, the Dutchman-s strike rate an impressive 16 goals from 28 appearances, which included a purple patch of ten goals in nine games through December and January.
Cassio-s class at left back is unquestioned, whether it is defending or making threatening forward runs down the left hand side, the former Adelaide United Club Champion arguably one of the most influential players in the league.
Fellow South American Flores, in his first full HAL season, has constantly produced breathtaking football and has been a reason the Reds have vied for a top four spot for the majority of the season. Eight assists to go with his eight goals, the Argentinean playmaker is a maestro at pulling the strings in the front half of the pitch.
Van Dijk said it was an honour to be named in the side, but he knows it will not stand for much if the Reds do not go deep into the finals.
“That-s always good to be picked by your fellow players in the A-League, and it-s an honour to be in there,” van Dijk said.
“If you see that there are three of us in the Team of the Year, that means we had a good season so far…but now it-s going to start, the real thing because we want to make the grand final and win the grand final, so now we have to show the best of our play.”
Premiers Brisbane had six players in the team, with Roar coach Ange Postecoglou fittingly named Coach of the Year as he has led Brisbane on a record of 25 games undefeated, which could be extended further if they best the Mariners this weekend.
