When Melbourne Victory unveiled their marquee man in September, fans were licking their lips with the prospects of a stringent and efficient defence, the heart of any championship winning side.
Former Chilean international Pablo Contreras was signed to add stability to the back four, a notable weakness from Ange Postecoglou’s side last season as they conceded 45 goals, the third most in the competition.
But questions have to be raised as to whether Contreras has lived up to his marquee status after some very unconvincing performances to date. In seven appearances this season, the Chilean has hardly looked comfortable adjusting to the A-League, conceding two penalties along with three yellow cards.
Capped 67 times by his country, including two World Cup appearances, the defender has barely proven his credentials as one of the most experienced players in the A-League, on occasions reflecting the poise of a jittery teenager on debut rather than a seasoned veteran. The 35-year-old had a first game to forget, receiving a two match ban for an off the ball incident involving Heart’s Mate Dugandzic, with Contreras appearing to elbow the winger in the face.
His second game back from suspension saw another brain fade. The Chilean literally mounted the back and shoulders of Sydney FC captain Alessandro Del Piero in a feeble attempt to clear an incoming ball from danger – something Victory fans have now seen on more than one occasion.
Nathan Coe was called upon to spare Contreras further embarrassment a few weeks later, saving United’s Sergio Cirio’s spot kick. The Chilean had been penalised for bringing down Jeronimo Neumann in the penalty area after getting his pocket picked just moments before.
The veteran has additionally struggled with the tempo and difference in technicality the A-League produces, sometimes finding himself out of position as opponents search for a more physical and direct route to goal. His case has definitely not been helped by a somewhat adventurous spirit, his presence in the forward third initiated by a not so uncommon burst forward.
However Victory’s defensive woes do not solely lay with Contreras.
Former skipper Adran Leijer looks to be struggling for confidence after being dumped as captain in favour for Mark Milligan prior to the season commencing. The 27-year-old has since failed to recapture the form he displayed which bought Premier League side Fulham knocking five years ago – no more reflected through two senseless challenges against Adelaide United in Round 7 which earned him an early dismissal.
18-year-old Scott Galloway surely must be in line for a recall to the starting 11 too, after Jason Geria and vice-captain Leigh Broxham’s failed to make the right back position their own this season. Galloway burst onto the scene towards the back end of last season, debuting against Melbourne Heart in front of a crowd of 40,000 and would go on to earn another ten appearances. The youngster has been limited to meagre minutes off the bench so far this season, and is surely banging on the door for a start.
And then there is the third case of the backup centre back at Victory. Despite the experienced heads of Leijer and Contreras in defence, the back four have arguably produced their most convincing and reliable performances when 19-year-old Nick Ansell has been thrown into the fray. In his four appearances this campaign, Victory have kept a total of three clean sheets, conceding only two goals. Ansell, despite playing 90 minutes against the Mariners last weekend and keeping a clean sheet, was dropped to the bench for his side’s clash against the Jets on Sunday night, making way for Leijer who returned from suspension.
But all is not lost, as long as the experienced heads in the team start pulling their weight. Contreras in particular has flattered to deceive, but is still a chance to turn his season around if he finds his feet and begins to dominate A-League forwards as previously envisioned.
As a marquee, Contreras will repeatedly feature throughout the season and will have to take control of the defence if Ansell and Galloway earn a promotion to the starting line up. His credentials speak for themselves, most recently lining up against Arsenal in the Champions League but it’s time for the Chilean to assert himself as one of the best defenders in the league.
If the experienced defender can make his mark on the A-league, Muscat and his coaching staff will be hoping the rest of the back four can follow suit.