3 Attacking Midfield Options Perth Glory Could Explore
It’s more than fair to say that the Glory’s off-season recruitment has been impressive given the number of players brought in and the quality many of those individuals will bring to the club.
Only the Western Sydney Wanderers (15) have made more signings thus far than Perth’s 10 additions and you have to give credit to the new Head of Recruitment and Glory legend Andy Keogh, as well as his team.
Areas of investment have been targeted, addressed and financed adequately.
For example, it was clear that following the departure of Jonathan Aspropotamitis, Darryl Lachman would need a new partner. Ideally, someone who would dominate aerial duels, given that is a weakness of the Curaçao international and possibly left-footed, to aid ball retention in the defensive third.
Mark Beevers, an experienced campaigner who’s made multiple appearances and achieved many promotions in England’s Championship and League One competitions has been brought in to ensure balance in the backline and on paper, he looks to be a solid signing.
So while there has been an abundance of positions that have received strengthening, there’s still that one position that needs a new face and everybody knows which one it is.
The elusive creative midfield role was abandoned in the 2021/22 season due to the signing of Daniel Sturridge and the departure of Diego Castro.
Losing El Maestro was going to be a massive blow yet Sturridge was never the answer, so it was strange to see the Glory go into last season without an established creator of play.
Now, I have done a piece earlier in the year on another platform looking at potential options that the Glory could look at ahead of next season, yet a number of those players have either had contract extensions or moved on to other clubs.
So in this piece, I’ve got three possible options that the club could look at heading into this 2022/23 season.
Before I begin, the dream signing would’ve been Jason Berthomier from Clermont Foot 63.
When we talk about game-changing players, Berthomier would’ve been that type of player if he was to come to Perth Glory. His technical class, elegance with the ball, quality and experience would’ve made him the perfect signing.
However, a possible deal seems unlikely due to rumours of clubs that have much higher gravitas in football than the Glory eyeing off this player.
So the first option on my list is Guarani captain, Giovanni Augusto.
Now I’m sure there would be a large portion of people who would be going, ‘who the hell is this guy?’
Allow me to explain.
Augusto is a very dangerous player when given time on the ball, particularly when he’s occupied in areas just outside the box.
Whether it’s a powerful strike into the top corner, sliding the ball through the defence, picking out a late run or he’s got time to dribble, the 32-year-old is a very difficult customer to handle.
When analysing if he would be a good option for the Glory, one clear area is that he creates many chances, which is something the team has to drastically improve in.
So far in the Brasileiro Série B, Augusto has created 45 chances in 14 games, 11 of which were deemed as big chances, which is pretty remarkable.
Capable of operating in wide areas or as a pure 10, Giovanni Augusto would be a great option for the club should a move be considered.
The next player on my list is Hannover 96 attacking midfielder, Sebastian Kerk.
Kerk is coming off a fantastic season with Die Roten scoring 9 goals and registering 4 assists in the 2nd tier of German football, 2. Bundesliga.
For a large portion of last season, the 28-year-old functioned as a number 10 either in a 4–3–1–2 system or a 4–2–3–1. This allowed him to drift to areas on the right or left, where he could create play.
In the 2021/22 2. Bundesliga season, he created 66 chances in 31 games, 9 of those chances were deemed as big chances.
His best attributes are his crossing ability, set-piece delivery, capacity to hold onto the ball as well as making multiple key passes a game.
Now, this potential transfer is rather opportunistic given his age however should the club go for this player, either this season or the following season where he would be free, utilising one of the designated player spots should get the deal over the line.
He is a super talent that would massively aid the Glory and fix many of the problems going forward should he make the move to WA.
The final player on my list is Austrian playmaker Stefan Nutz.
Now, this player is also very likely to be unknown to a large portion of Glory fans, so allow me to give a brief overview of his qualities.
Nutz, like Kerk, is coming off a very good season but not in the second division of German football, but the Austrian Bundesliga.
In 31 games, the 30-year-old scored 4 goals and registered 12 assists which is a solid hitout.
From a creative viewpoint, he was excellent last season as well, creating 50 chances, 10 of which were categorised as big chances.
In terms of his best qualities, it’s clear his playmaking, vision, quick thinking, ball control, dribbling, technique and passing range allow him to perform at a very high level.
The Austrian is capable of playing off the right wing or as a pure 10 behind the striker, so should the club wish to make a move for this player, it would give Head Coach Ruben Zadkovich plenty of options going forward.
So to conclude, these three playmakers in Giovanni Augusto, Sebastian Kerk and Stefan Nutz would be excellent options if the club was to pursue a potential deal.
Some may be more feasible than others however, the club know that the number 10 role is a critical position and must be addressed as soon as possible.
