A stunning volley from Melbourne Victory midfielder Carl Valeri capped off a complete holding midfield performance from the Socceroo. While it was one of his best games in a navy blue top, was it good enough to take out man of the match honours? Read on as we give you our match ratings from Victory’s 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
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GK: Nathan Coe – 7.5
Either brilliant or disastrous, Coe was the former last night. Made a key save in each half – denying a curling Rukavytsya shot in the first, and a desperate Kuzmanovski before full-time. Was also more composed in his sweeper ‘keeper role
RB: Scott Galloway – 6
Wasn’t great, but wasn’t bad. Flew under the radar. The likes of Mark Bridge didn’t trouble him too much. Was solid in defence without being overly commanding, and did provide some assistance going forward without having too much of an effect.
CB: Nick Ansell – 6.5
Put in a fairly strong shift, not letting Haliti get the better of him. Refused to be muscled off the ball and made some important challenges in the first half, in particular.
CB: Leigh Broxham – 7
Little Leigh put in a big shift at centre-back, throwing himself around to deny the Wanderers shots on target at key moments or nibbles at the second ball. it’s almost a blessing for Victory when Leijer can’t play and Broxham has to deputise at centre-back.
LB: Dylan Murnane – 4.5
Whilst the youngster always applies himself with great effort when given game time, he was absolutely shown up by Rukavytsa’s pace before being relieved of his duties at half-time. Luckily for Murnane, his opponent’s final delivery left a lot to be desired before any damage could be done.
✮ CM: Carl Valeri (1 goal) – 8 ✮
Scored a stunning volley, one for the ages. A surprise really, considering the defensive midfielder’s rare efforts on goal usually end up 20 rows back. Was also neat in midfield, doing his usual job with minimal fuss.
CM: Jesse Makarounas – 5.5
A tough game for the natural #10, who is struggling to adapt to that defensive midfield role Kevin Muscat can only ever really fit him in. Didn’t do enough to help close down Kalmar for his goal, and didn’t really play much part going forward, either.
RW: Kosta Barbarouses – 6.5
An improved performance for the Kiwi on the back of a couple of shockers. Lacked conviction on the final ball but was better with his touch and running at opponents. Played a part in the winning goal, receiving the ball on the counter and passing off to Berisha who helped Finkler do the rest
AM: Gui Finkler (1 goal) – 7.5
A better game for the Brazilian, who managed to find little pockets of space and link up well with team-mates, playing a number of clever one-twos. A real smart finish on the goal as well, as he was able to shoot the ball above a low-laying Covic.
LW: Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 7.5
Another industrious and creative performance from the Tunisian, who troubled Shannon Cole on the left flank with his trickery and played some wonderful passes. The switch to Barbarouses that led to Victory’s first goal was sublime. Give the man a contract extension.
ST: Besart Berisha (1 assist) – 7
Is getting better at involving himself in the game when things aren’t falling his way. Worked hard to make things happen, getting the ball and dribbling at defenders. Assisted Finkler with sheer determination by dribbing into the box and denying Covic hands on the ball.
SUB: Daniel Georgievski – 6
Went some way to stemming Rukavytsa’s tide in the second half, though was beaten emphatically once. A solid half on return from injury.
SUB: Rashid Mahazi N/A
SUB: Andrew Nabbout N/A
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Votes
3. Carl Valeri
2. Nathan Coe
1. Fahid Ben Khalfallah
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
77 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
52.5 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
45.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
39 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
38 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
30.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
22.5 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
22 – Connor Chapman (Melbourne City)
21 – Jacob Melling (Melbourne City)
20 – David Williams (Melbourne City)
18 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
16 – Robert Koren (Melbourne City)
16 – Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Dylan Murnane (Melbourne Victory)
15 – Carl Valeri (Melbourne Victory)
15 – David Villa (Melbourne City)
14.5 – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne City)
14.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)
13.5 – Erik Paartalu (Melbourne City)
8.5 – Gui Finkler (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Andrew Redmayne (Melbourne City)
7 – Nick Ansell (Melbourne Victory)