Top 10 National Premier League soccer stars to watch including Allan Welsh, Marc Marino, Nicholas Bucco
National Premier League SA soccer finals begin this weekend with a bunch of top talent set to do battle for silverware. We’ve listed the top 10 players to watch leading into Saturday’s big games.
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Football SA National Premier League finals will kick-off this Saturday, with Adelaide City, Adelaide Comets, Adelaide United, Campbelltown City, Croydon and MetroStars set to do battle.
There is no shortage of talent taking to the pitch for each of these clubs and ahead of the big matches we’ve listed the top 10 stars to watch.
Here is our list in no particular order:
ALLAN WELSH
(Adelaide Comets)
It’s been another glowing season for Comets’ captain, the star centre midfielder controlling almost every game on the ball.
A strong and imposing player who has no issues committing to challenges and winning the ball back for his side, Welsh provides excellent protection for his defence and can also open up a match with his vision and passing.
With seven goals to his name from the midfield so far this season, he’ll be a player opposition teams need to shut down to win.
THOMAS BRISCOE
(Adelaide Comets)
Briscoe has been a weapon for Comets this season, the veteran producing strong displays up front and in midfield for the club.
A great finisher in front of goal, Briscoe has 11 goals in his 18 appearances this season.
Briscoe has a knack of popping up to score decisive goals, something which can be key to finals success for any club.
HAMISH GOW
(MetroStars)
A standout for MetroStars yet again in the National Premier League, Gow’s courage and tenacity in the middle has been of high value for his club.
Gow is a tireless box-to-box midfielder who works relentlessly to win the ball for his side and distribute with efficiency.
He can also chip in for a goal on occasion, scoring four so far this year.
ARIATH PIOL
(MetroStars)
Piol has been a consistent contributor for MetroStars up front, his strength and speed keeping defences on their toes.
A skilful player with the ball at his feet, Piol consistently puts pressure on defenders with his dribbling ability and creative play.
He has eight goals this season and a number of assists.
ALEX MULLEN
(Campbelltown City)
Mullen remains one of the best attackers in the league, scoring 13 goals for second placed Campbelltown City this season.
A strong and decisive player with excellent technical ability, the Campbelltown veteran is one of the toughest players for opponents to matchup with.
His side faces a tough test against Adelaide City on Saturday, but if Mullen can perform at his best Campbelltown will be in with a big shot at launching a successful finals campaign.
MARC MARINO
(Campbelltown City)
The former Adelaide United star continues to dominate alongside Mullen at Campbelltown.
Marino’s goal-sense and presence in the box makes him a complete striker, and with 12 goals to his name in 19 appearances it’s no surprise his side has launched itself to second on the ladder.
If both Marino and Mullen can fire in finals, the club is a big chance at silverware.
JONNY YULL
(Adelaide United)
Yull continues to dictate matches in the middle for United, reaching another level in his young career at the Reds.
Yull’s intelligent passing and flair on the ball has provided a significant boost to his side’s success going forward and his work to get back and help defend has been equally as important.
He has scored five goals in his 18 appearances from midfield this year.
ALADIN IRABONA
(Adelaide City)
The most potent forward in finals this season next to Alex Mullen, Irabona’s ability to finish on either side of his body makes him a constant threat for opposition teams.
A pacy and skilful striker for the top side, his ability to pick up the ball in the front half and dribble past opponents or finish in front of goal is second to none.
Irabona has 13 goals this season and will undoubtedly add to that tally in finals.
NICHOLAS BUCCO
(Adelaide City)
Bucco is Adelaide City’s inspirational leader on and off the pitch, leading by example and motivating his club each week.
Playing any role needed by his side around the park, Bucco can run out matches as well as anyone in the competition.
When he’s not putting in a solid shift in the middle of the park, Bucco is kicking goals up front.
He has six to his name this year.
PATRICK CARACCIA
(Croydon Kings)
Caraccia’s rise to the top echelon of players in the NPL has continued in 2022, the Croydon star remaining the focal point of the Kings’ midfield.
A creative player who works tirelessly as a box-to-box threat, Caraccia has three goals this season and also sets teammates up consistently.
The star’s form has seen Croydon make finals at a last gasp, and he will be key to any success the club has from here on out.
Saturday’s finals fixture:
Elimination final – Adelaide Comets vs Croydon
Elimination final – MetroStars vs Adelaide United
Semi-final (first leg) – Adelaide City vs Campbelltown City
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