The Foreign Lads – Part 3

A continuation of the look at the Foreign Player for the coming season


Adelaide United
Aurelio Vidmar seems to be in love with players with one name and now have four Brazilians. Adelaide fans have a lot of football to look forward to this year due to being the first team to graduate from the AFC Champions League Group Phase.

Cassio
One of the few foreign defenders in the league, Cassio showed signs last year of being a real find. Assuming that the scare with his knee has been settled and his current calf injury isn’t too serious Adelaide can expect to have the perhaps the most dangerous left wingback in the League

Alemao
Not content to have one foreign defender Vidmar has gone himself a second. Can’t say I have much to say about him because to be honest we haven’t heard much to date. The fact however that he has changed clubs every year in the Brazilian First division before landing here isn’t a good sign.

Diego
He has taken a while to settle in and Adelaide will be hoping he steps up in his third season here in Australia. His stats though are not flattering with only 1 Goal and 1 Assist in 20 games. Not good for your playmaker.

Cristiano
Shown signs that he is going to be a real handful during the preseason. Adelaide may have a one of the best strikers in the league here. He is a good age (27) and comes to us after playing in a quality league and team. He could be one to watch.


The four Brazilians will need to fire (especially Christiano), as Adelaide lack depth and will miss Burns/Djite. On paper I think Adelaide may not see finals football this year. Hopefully they can give the Kashima Antlers a scare instead.
League Position Tip : 6th



Central Coast Mariners
The Mariners have once again ignored Foreign signings and looked locally for the vast majority of their squad.

Andre Gumprecht
The loss of Gumprecht to a long term knee injury will leave the Mariners dangerous short of attacking midfielders.


They will rely on their wide players (Elrich and Caceres) to provide quality crosses to their big forwards (Mrdja, Petrovski & Simon). It’s a recipe that’s worked before and took them to the final last year but will it work again? I have my doubts.
League Position Tip : 7th




That brings me to the end of my preview. So in summary here is my tip as to how the ladder will look at the end of Round 21

Melbourne Victory
Queensland Roar
Newcastle Jets
Wellington Phoenix
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Sydney FC
Adelaide United
Central Coast Mariners
Perth Glory

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