Barcelona are playing against an A-League All-Stars team in Sydney next week. If Only Sports was selecting the lineup, here’s what it’d look like.
Beating Barcelona normally takes talent and teamwork. And given the Spanish heavyweights are playing against a representative side on limited preparation, playing cohesively might be a stretch.
So it’s best to stick to a simple formation like 4-2-3-1 and make sure the outfit will be fun to watch, at the very least.
All three Victorian clubs are into the final four in the A-League, so it’s no surprise they make up eight of the 11 starters. Here’s what we’ve come up with.
GOALKEEPER
Oli Sail – Wellington Phoenix
The Phoenix have had an inconsistent season decimated by injury and COVID-19 cases, however Oli Sail has ridden the bumps, proving a stabilising force at the back.
DEFENDERS
Matthew Spiranovic, Melbourne Victory – Centre back
The former Socceroo has been solid at the back for Melbourne Victory this season and would provide leadership and experience in the All-Star side.
Curtis Good, Melbourne City – Centre back
In a star-studded Melbourne City, Good has been outstanding and has become one of the A-League’s best defenders.
Carl Jenkinson, Melbourne City – Right back
The former Arsenal star has slotted seamlessly into the Melbourne City defence and plays with a calm and composed attitude.
Ben Garuccio, Western United – Left back
The Western United defender has been in good form throughout the season and has registered three assists. Garuccio made headlines worldwide when he scored an incredible ‘scorpion-kick’ goal in United’s win over Western Sydney Wanderers earlier this season.
MIDFIELD
Neil Kilkenny, Western United – Defensive midfielder
In his first season at Western United, the veteran midfielder has been a standout and instrumental as United look to lock in a top-two finish.
Josh Brillante, Melbourne Victory – Defensive midfielder
The Victory captain brings composure and class to the middle of the park and has played an important role for the club’s re-build this season.
Embed from Getty ImagesMilos Ninkovic, Sydney FC – Attacking midfielder
On his day, the Sydney veteran is one of the best midfielders in the A-League and has excellent play-making ability who can find teammates with ease.
Craig Goodwin, Adelaide United – Left winger
The Reds star has been one of the most consistent players for his team and can deliver perfect crosses and dangerous free kicks on his left foot.
Mathew Leckie, Melbourne City – Right winger
The Melbourne City attacker has enjoyed a consistent season and has scored nine goals. Leckie is part of a dangerous trio of Socceroos up front for City.
FORWARD
Jamie Maclaren, Melbourne City – Striker
Maclaren has notched up 14 goals this season. Maclaren is always a constant threat in front of goals and is a nightmare for defenders to mark.
Embed from Getty ImagesBENCH
Jamie Young, Western United – Goalkeeper
Rhyan Grant, Sydney FC – Defender
Alex Wilkinson, Sydney FC – Defender
Tomoki Imai, Western United – Defender
Reno Piscopo, Wellington Phoenix – Midfielder
Ulises Dávila, Macarthur FC – Midfielder
Andrew Nabbout, Melbourne City – Winger
Ben Folami, Melbourne Victory – Winger
Bruno Fornaroli, Perth Glory – Striker
Aleksandar Prijović, Western United
