The A-League is one of soccer’s underappreciated leagues. It doesn’t get the same viewership or attraction as other leagues the sport offers. Of course, it’s understandable, as it’s not quite as established as those in Europe. It also doesn’t attract the same type of players, which impacts the number of people who watch it.
There have been some marquee signings this offseason, though. Douglas Costa joined Sydney FC, while Juan Mata made a new home in New South Wales by joining the Western Sydney Wanderers. Admittedly, they might be of a certain age, but it shows that interest may be on the rise. It does provide shades of when Alessandro Del Piero made Sydney FC his home between 2012 and 2014.
That doesn’t mean that quality isn’t offered elsewhere. In fact, there can be a ton of it throughout the A-League.
A-League’s 2024-25 Season Has Started
In its 20th year since its inception, the A-League’s 2024-25 campaign has already begun. We’re only at the very beginning still, with most teams having played just a handful of games.
Nonetheless, we’ve already been treated to some quality soccer. There are players who have already started extremely well, which has led to some clubs getting off to the kind of start that they would have planned for.
Teams to Watch
Although it’s difficult to correctly identify which teams are the best to watch at this early stage of the season, it’s still possible to make an informed guess based on what has been witnessed already.
Only three teams remain unbeaten so far. Melbourne Victory (1st) have won three and drawn one; Auckland FC have won each of their three so far without conceding a goal (3rd); Adelaide United have two wins and one draw in their three fixtures played (5th).
Of these, the Melbourne Victory are perhaps the team that many are watching closely. They are the current favorites to win the A-League with a leading sportsbook in Australia, having been provided with odds of 4.00. Interestingly, their fierce rivals, Melbourne City, and Sydney FC have been listed as co-second favorites, having been priced at 6.00.
The Victory have started well, and will be looking to return to the Grand Final once again. They were beaten by the Central Coast Mariners in extra-time last season, falling at the final hurdle. It was the third time they’d finished as runners-up in 20 years, having won the A-League for the fourth time in 2018.
What Players Should Be Watched Closely?
As mentioned, there are a handful of players who are plying their trade in the A-League that have quality. There are some that will be more familiar to fans of soccer in the region, while some bigger names have made Australia their new home.
We already highlighted how Juan Mata is one of those. With the Spanish playmaker now playing his soccer Down under, we can expect the magician to bring his magic to each of the country’s soccer pitches each time he laces his boots.
At the same time, it’s worth keeping an eye on Macarthur’s Marin Jakoliš. The 27-year-old Croatian arrived in the offseason from Angers B after a loan spell with Melbourne Victory and has been on red-hot form for his new club. He may have only played in one A-League game so far, but he has two goals.
In defense, it could be worth keeping an eye on what Costa does given the quality he possesses. A former Brazil international, he also represented several of Europe’s biggest clubs in top competitions. He’ll bring experience and quality to Sydney FC, which could help turn them into title contenders.
The Victory will want to meet the expectation of them being the favorites to win and will look to experienced ‘keeper Mitch Langerak. The 36-year-old will make his return to Australia after 14 years away when he rejoins the team he was once at when his contract starts at the beginning of 2025. He’ll add suitable experience to the team, although Jack Duncan will be hoping he can keep hold of the gloves and retain his position as the #1 with quality performances between the sticks.
