The National Premier League soccer stars to watch in 2022 including Michael Marrone, Allan Welsh, Alex Mullen
The 2022 National Premier League soccer season kicks off on Friday night and ahead of the opener we’ve listed the players to watch for each team this year.
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The wait for the 2022 FootballSA National Premier League season is almost over.
Regular season play will kick-off on Friday night when current champion Adelaide City takes on Campbelltown at home.
Many stars return to the league for another year, while some clubs have signed marquee players from around Australia or overseas.
Ahead of Friday’s match, we’ve listed each club’s player to watch for 2022.
ALADIN IRABONA
Adelaide City
Last season’s Golden Boot winner, Irabona starred as a winger/forward for champions City and will again be a focal point for the club as it aims to go back-to-back.
The former club best and fairest played a significant part in the finals for the black and white last season, creating opportunities for his teammates and keeping defences guessing with his speed and skill.
If he can continue that form, Irabona will undoubtedly be one of the best in the 2022 competition.
ALLAN WELSH
Adelaide Comets
Welsh continues to excel as Comets captain, and was yet again an out-and-out star of the competition last season despite his side’s painful grand final loss to City.
The midfielder’s ability to settle his side and control the game is second to none and will be on display yet again this season.
Comets will again be in the title discussion if their captain continues to stamp his authority in the middle.
MICHAEL CITTADINI
Adelaide Olympic
Forward/midfielder Cittadini was Olympic’s standout player last season and will look to reproduce that standard again for his side.
The 18-year-old star went through Adelaide United’s youth system before signing for Olympic and has not looked back since.
NPL defences may not have seen much of the smart, skilful forward, but will need to pay extra attention to him this year.
JONNY YULL
Adelaide United
Also named in last season’s players to watch, young gun Yull continues to impress for United.
The midfield maestro pulled the strings for the team in his 2021 campaign and is expected to reach another level in 2022.
Yull’s pinpoint passing and intelligent decision-making will be key for the Reds.
ALEX MULLEN
Campbelltown City
Mullen finished second in the Sergio Malta Medal (league best and fairest) medal count in 2021 after a fantastic year.
A constant option for defenders and attackers, and a threat in front of goal, the former A-League player continues to prove he is among the NPL’s best.
Campbelltown will be looking to Mullen to lead their charge back to the top this year after being disappointed in the first round of last season’s finals.
STAVROS BAKOPANOS
Cumberland United
An aggressive midfielder and defender, Bakopanos will be a highly important player for the Foxes in 2022.
While his aggressive style of play can at times lead to yellow or red cards, the club favourite’s flair can equally galvanise his team.
If Bakopanos can string consistent performances together Cumberland will be a strong test for any opposition.
PATRICK CARACCIA
Croydon Kings
Caraccia experienced a dramatic rise to the top of the NPL competition last season, ultimately finishing third in the Sergio Malta Medal count.
The talented midfielder scored six goals in 22 appearances last season.
If Caraccia can take yet another step up, the Kings will be a chance to make a finals appearance.
COOPER NUNN
FK Beograd White City
Nunn returns home to play for newly-promoted FK Beogard after spending time with Monroe College in the US.
The defender will be a welcome boost to the club as it looks to build off of its success as State League champions in 2021.
Nunn’s strong attack on the ball and efficient distribution should translate back in to the NPL well.
CHRISTIAN ESPOSITO
MetroStars
Star striker Esposito is coming off yet another strong season and will yet again be his side’s talisman.
While MetroStars lost to Sturt on penalties in last season’s finals series, there is hope across the club that players like Esposito can continue to dominate and keep it competitive.
Skilled on both feet and always lethal in front of goal, Esposito is set for another big year.
JACKSON STEPHENS
South Adelaide
Versatile midfielder and defender Stephens has been a boost for the Panthers since moving to the club from Adelaide City.
His ability to play multiple roles was integral for the club last season during its finals run and will be important yet again in 2022.
MICHAEL MARRONE
Sturt Lions
Arguably the most skilled defender in the NPL, former Adelaide United star Marrone seems set to reach another gear in 2022.
The wingback can play on either side of the park or Sturt can slide him in at centre-back, a luxury many clubs do not have.
If Marrone is at his best, the Lions will be a big shot at finals success.
GEORGE MANNION
West Torrens Birkalla
Mannion returns to Birkalla for season 2022 after spending time with Colwyn Bay in the UK.
He is a versatile winger and defender who possesses the speed and skill to match the best.
Mannion could be the spark Birkalla needs to remain in the top flight through to 2023.
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