Comment: Adelaide United captain Isaias’ departure leaves a daunting hole for the Reds to fill

The heartbeat of Adelaide United has left the club. Now the Reds must achieve the impossible and find a successor to fearless leader Isaias.

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Adelaide United already faced one of the most pivotal off-seasons in its history.

Now it must replace a Reds legend who became the heartbeat of the club.

Coach Marco Kurz’s exit after guiding United to an FFA Cup triumph and to within a successful penalty of a grand final berth left incoming manager Gertjan Verbeek with big shoes to fill.

But this week’s departure of Isaias to a Qatari club has arguably created an even more daunting hole to plug in the Reds’ future ambitions.

The fearless captain epitomised everything United supporters hold dear to their team’s identity.

Adelaide United captain Isaias has left the club after six outstanding seasons. Picture: James Elsby/Getty Images

His creative flair from deep positions laid the foundation for Adelaide’s four trophy wins in the past five campaigns, while his tactical intelligence and combative ball-winning was unrivalled in the A-League.

But just as crucial was Isaias’ ability to lead from the front when the chips were down.

The midfield maestro's six-year United career was littered with occasions when he inspired those around him to greater heights.

This was exemplified in March when his stunning volley against Central Coast secured the Reds’ first win in five and inspired them to salvage a season widely written off.

Reds great Isaias at Hindmarsh Stadium before his move to Qatar. Picture: Sarah Reed

Indeed, the consistency and quality of Isaias’ displays during his 181-game Adelaide career meant only title-winning skipper Eugene Galekovic and club record goalscorer Travis Dodd would rival him in debates over United’s greatest ever servant.

His loyalty and commitment to the cause meant the club was justified in granting Isaias the lucrative overseas move which will likely secure his family’s financial future.

Now comes the impossible task of finding his successor.