FPF's Aussies Abroad power rankings: Week 8
- Ross Papadakis
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
It's been another massive week for Australians abroad, with players continuing to make their mark across Europe and beyond. From defensive dominance in Italy and Spain to attacking flair in Scotland and Norway, Aussies are flying the flag on some of football's biggest stages. While some have held their form and others have surged into contention, a few new names have forced their way into the conversation with breakout performances and clutch moments for their clubs. This week's rankings highlight the balance of experience and youth across the board. Let's take a look.
Cameron Devlin is one of the most in-form Australians abroad at the moment. (Image: Calum Mackenzie)
Alessandro Circati - Parma (+1)
Circati climbs to the top after another composed display in Serie A. It's now back-to-back clean sheets in Italy's top flight for Alessandro Circati as Parma drew 0-0 with Como.
Despite Parma having the fourth-best defensive record in the league, conceding only seven goals, they have scored only three across their opening eight games. While Circati is doing everything right defensively, his team sits in 15th, only three points outside the relegation zone with just one win.
Mat Ryan - Levante (+2)
Ryan continues his resurgence in Spain, making four saves in Levante's 1-1 draw with Mallorca. It follows back-to-back clean sheets in recent weeks, with his form a key factor in Levante's climb up to 15th in La Liga.
The Socceroos captain looks rejuvenated, commanding his area with confidence and leading by example in a side on the rise.
Jordan Bos - Feyenoord (-2)
Bos drops a few places here, but I'll explain why.
He made his first-ever group stage start in UEFA competition, playing 65 minutes in Feyenoord's 3-1 Europa League win over Panathinaikos.
That came just days before a thrilling 3-2 defeat to PSV, where the 22-year-old picked up a hamstring injury that has haunted him in the past.
Despite the setback, Bos has been a standout in the Eredivisie and Europe. He remains one of Australia's most promising exports, and hopefully the injury is nothing serious.
Cameron Devlin - Hearts (new)
Devlin featured in last week's "On the rise" section, but this week, he definitely deserves a spot in the top five.
Hearts sit eight points clear atop the Scottish Premiership table after a 3-1 win over Celtic, with Devlin earning Player of the Match honours for a typically tenacious display.
The midfielder was everywhere, winning 100% of his tackles and 75% of his duels, and registering a 70% pass success rate, five interceptions, and four clearances.
Having played every single minute of the campaign so far, Devlin has been at the heart of Hearts' charge to the summit, leading by example with his relentless work rate and bite.
He's a player who plays for the badge, and I think we need him on the plane for the 2026 World Cup.
Patrick Yazbek - Nashville (no change)
Yazbek has been a key figure for Nashville in the MLS, facing Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in consecutive games and set to face them again in the Eastern Conference playoff second leg.
Most recently, Nashville lost 3-1 in the first leg, with Yazbek subbed off after 70 minutes.
Despite the result, he has remained a steady presence in midfield, providing defensive stability and composure under pressure, helping his side compete against one of the league's most star-studded teams.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos - Motherwell (+2)
Stamatelopoulos' red-hot form continues as he jumps two places in this week's rankings.
The striker scored again in Motherwell's 2-1 win over Livingston, taking his tally to five goal contributions across his last four games.
Full of confidence and leading the line with conviction, the Socceroo has helped lift Motherwell to seventh in the Scottish Premiership. He looks to be in the form of his career, and with another international window around the corner, he may very well be on the plane to the USA.
Nestory Irankunda - Watford (-4)
I think Irankunda is stiff to lose so many places here. But after a bright start to life in England, his minutes have dipped slightly under new manager Javi Gracia.
The 18-year-old was subbed off at half-time in the 2-1 win over West Brom and played 27 minutes off the bench in their 3-1 defeat to Coventry. While he's still finding his feet in the Championship, this is a little bit concerning and hints that Nestor may not be in the new gaffer's plans.
Mohamed Toure & Paul Izzo - Randers (-2)
It was another strong week for this Aussie duo in Denmark, with Paul Izzo stealing the headlines for Randers in their 0-0 draw with Sønderjyske.
Izzo was outstanding between the sticks, keeping his second consecutive clean sheet while making four crucial saves to preserve a point. After returning to Europe earlier this year, the former Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory shot-stopper is quickly proving his value, keeping Randers in contention for a potential European qualification spot next season.
Mohamed Toure, who also started and put in a lively shift in attack, was replaced by his younger brother, Musa, in the 75th minute.
The pair's growing influence at both ends of the pitch is providing Randers with a solid Australian spine to build around.
Zac Sapsford - Dundee United (new)
Another game and another goal for one of Australia's most in-form attackers in Scotland.
Sapsford continued his excellent start to life at Dundee United, scoring a stunning free-kick in a 3-1 win over St Mirren. The 23-year-old played 77 minutes and was influential throughout, taking his season tally to three goals as the Tangerines climbed to third on the table.
Australia international Keanu Baccus also featured for St Mirren, playing the full 90 minutes. But it was Sapsford who stole the spotlight once again.
Nicholas D'Agostino - Viking (new)
Nicholas D'Agostino continues to make his mark in Norway as Viking FK pushes for the Eliteserien title.
The 26-year-old came off the bench and scored the final goal in Viking's dominant 5-1 win over Bryne, sealing another crucial victory in their title charge. D'Agostino featured for 21 minutes, while fellow Aussie Gianni Stensness played the entire second half.
Viking currently sit top of the table by a point, though second-placed Bodø/Glimt have a game in hand.
Regardless, D'Agostino's late-season impact could prove vital as the club chases their first Norwegian title in over two decades.
CHECK OUT OUR PREVIOUS RANKINGS
On the rise
Callum Elder - Derby County
Back-to-back wins and clean sheets for Callum Elder in England as the left-back continues to find rhythm with Derby County.
The 30-year-old played the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Pride Park, helping the Rams tighten up defensively and climb to 17th in the Championship.
Elder's experience and consistency have been key stabilisers for a side building momentum under pressure. Next up, a tough away trip to Sheffield United will test their growing confidence.
Bonus: Flying under the radar
James Temelkovski - Tai Po
An Aussie striker is on fire in Asia. James Temelkovski added yet another goal for Tai Po FC in Hong Kong's top flight, scoring in their 3-1 win over Eastern.
The 27-year-old played just 45 minutes but still found the net, taking his tally to seven goals and two assists in 11 appearances across the league, cup, and Asian Champions League Two.
The former Western Sydney Wanderers forward is in blistering form and proving to be one of the most prolific Australian strikers abroad this season.
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