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Writer's pictureThomas Pombart

Why has the quality of the A-League risen this season?

This A-League season has been like no other. Each game has at least three xG between both teams, and the league featured 18 goals in its last five games.


The opening four rounds started stale, with most ties being decided by one goal; it took until round 4 and 5 when the flood gates began to open.


Perth Glory’s opening two games saw them score and concede a combined 17 goals, with a 5-3 win in their opening game against Adelaide followed by a 5-4 loss to Western United.


We have also seen an astronomical rise in the number of youth players being used — Alou Kuol, Riley Warland, Archie Goodwin, Carl Armiento and others.

Youngster Alou Kuol has been a revelation for the Mariners this season. (Getty Images)


Finally, it seems as if every club has drastically improved its foreign player recruitment too. Big names such as Beñat, Markel Susaeta and Iker Guarrotxena have all joined the league this season, having played top-level football in Spain previously.

Other impressive foreign signings include Graham Dorrans and Tomer Hemed of the Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix.


Along with improved recruitment, many A-League clubs have appointed local, Australian head coaches, with only two foreign coaches in the A-League at the moment.

Melbourne City appointed Australian Patrick Kisnorbo to replace Erick Mombaerts this off-season. (AAP)

But is it all about clubs changing their policies, or has the revised dates for the season played a part?


It certainly could have, as the cooler temperatures of recent times have allowed teams to play a higher tempo, expansive attacking football style.

Many sides have also utilised a high-pressure defensive system, resulting in more open play and giving us, the fans, crazier games.

The season's memorable matches include that 5-4 Western United win against Perth, Western Sydney Wanderers most recent 4-3 win over Wellington and the 6-0 Melbourne Derby win for Melbourne City a few weeks ago.


We only hope the season continues as such, producing heartbreaking moments, memories of last-minute winners, and celebrations of world-class goals.

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