Hyundai A-League Team of the Week: Round 11
Who stood head and shoulders above the rest in Hyundai A-League Round 11?
We've assessed the candidates and opted for a 4-3-3 formation for this Round's Team of the Week.
Did we get our starting XI right for Round 11?
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Goalkeeper
Filip Kurto (Wellington Phoenix)
There’s a reason Mark Rudan used one of his visa spots on a keeper, because they can help you pick up vital points throughout the season.
And that was the case with Kurto at Coopers Stadium, with the impressive Pole pulling off some amazing saves in 10-man Wellington’s 0-0 draw with Adelaide United.
Rudan described Kurto as “a beast” after the match and it was a commanding performance from the gloveman.
Defenders
Ryan Strain (Adelaide United)
It’s no surprise that Strain is keeping the experienced Michael Marrone out of the Reds starting side after a brilliant display at right-back against the Phoenix.
The youngster drove forward at every opportunity, causing the Wellington defence plenty of problems with his pace and work rate.
Steven Taylor (Wellington Phoenix)
The Englishman is loving life in Wellington and it’s showing with his performances on the pitch.
Taylor showed all his experience from many years in the Premier League to help a 10-man Phoenix battle to a goalless draw against the Reds.
Alongside skipper Andrew Durante, Taylor organised his defence and came up with some key blocks and interceptions for Rudan’s in-form side.
Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
Broxham lined up in central defence for Victory's trip to Western Sydney Wanderers and did not disappoint, making a match-high seven clearances in a battling performance.
The most telling contribution was a fine goal-line clearance to prevent Nick Fitzgerald from giving the Wanderers the lead late in the night - an intervention that would ultimately inspire Victory to take all three points through Ola Toivonen minutes later.
READ: Toivonen magic helps Victory topple Wanderers
Jason Davidson (Perth Glory)
Perth were missing key defensive personnel for their trip to Brisbane, and it was the always reliable Davidson that emerged with huge plaudits.
The left wing back was typically effective on the flank and won a huge 14 of his 18 duels on the night.
DAVIDSON: Glory remain calm and composed amid chaos to bolster Premiership bid
Midfielders
Luke Brattan (Melbourne City)
Narrowly edging City teammate Riley McGree in the first of our three midfield slots is Luke Brattan, whose thunderous first half drive proved the match winner in Melbourne's 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets.
The Hyundai A-League veteran has been in superb nick in recent weeks, and its no surprise this has coincided with City's four-match unbeaten streak.
Topping off an excellent all-round display of midfield craft, Brattan also made a crucial headed clearance off the line early in the second half to keep the Jets at bay.
READ: McGree, Brattan on target as City outlast gutsy 10-man Jets
Neil Kilkenny (Perth Glory)
He was overrun and outclassed by Brisbane Roar's opening half rampage, but there's no doubting just how crucial Kilkenny's nerveless second half brace might be in the context of Glory's title charge.
Kilkenny remained cool from the spot not once but twice in Glory's rousing fight back win, in which their central midfielder was once again a shining light.
The veteran tallied the most touches, most passes and equal-most chances created of any player on the pitch.
RE-LIVE: Re-live: City edge Jets, Glory go top after thriller with Roar
James Troisi (Melbourne Victory)
While he may not have generated the same headlines of some of his teammates this season, Troisi has been a key figure behind Victory’s nine-game unbeaten run.
The playmaker was at his creative best against the Wanderers, the architect of both goals in his side’s hard-earned 2-1 win at ANZ Stadium.
He played a delightful pass to tee up Ola Toivonen’s strike for the opener, before his inch-perfect cross allowed the Swede to bundle in the winner four minutes from the end.
Forwards
Adam Taggart (Brisbane Roar)
Taggart might have been on the losing side after Roar's 4-2 defeat to Glory but the Western Australian can certainly hold his head high.
Alongside the equally impressive Eric Bautheac, Taggart shone in an all-energy display from Darren Davies' side, notching his eighth and ninth goals of the season.
Alex Brosque (Sydney FC)
The evergreen Sydney FC striker bagged the first treble of his Hyundai A-League career in the Sky Blues' 5-2 win over Central Coast Mariners on Friday night, and it was well worth the wait.
Brosque inspired a stunning second half cameo from Steve Corica's side with a critical 49th minute equaliser before going on to seal his hat-trick with a stunning lob.
READ: Skipper Brosque guides the way in scintillating Sydney FC recovery
Ola Toivonen (Melbourne Victory)
The big Swede showed his undoubted class with two goals late in each half to inspire Victory to a hard-fought win over the Wanderers on Saturday night.
Toivonen’s brace took his tally for the campaign to seven and he also became the first Victory player to score in five consecutive Hyundai A-League matches.
With fellow star Keisuke Honda set to miss a month through injury, Toivonen is stepping up to the plate massively for Kevin Muscat’s side.
