The former Reds favourite says the inspirational 28-year-old former Olimpia Asuncion defender can bamboozle Osaka tonight if he's allowed to get forward at will after new signing Scott Jamieson liberated his role for United.

"It's one of the best things that has happened with Scott Jamieson," Alagich told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"He's played well himself but that's freed up room for Cassio to play further forward because he's great on the ball, has an ability to get past players and create opportunities."

"I think Cassio is the key. If he can get forward as he has been doing he can create a lot of problems. The more he can do in an attacking sense, a lot more damaging he'll be."

That said, Gamba Osaka retain an equally potent threat in the mesmerizing Yasuhito Endo.

The 28-year-old Blue Samurai attacking midfielder – a five time J-League all-star - has been playing down what he knows about Adelaide in the local press but his danger is massive, says Alagich.

"It was in the paper today that Endo said he didn't know anything about Adelaide United, but I can guarantee you that the coach will know Adelaide play, without a doubt," said Alagich.

"I watched the second leg against Urawa and he [Endo] was the difference with his set pieces and his ability on the ball to find a good pass and the right solution."

Adelaide's dream ACL run - culminating in tonight's first leg of the final - has been built on solid defence, excellent ball retention and measured counter-attack when playing abroad.

And if it ain't broke, certainly don't fix it, adds the ex Reds man who retired after United's final group stage game in China against Changchun Yatai last May.

He added: "I think they [Adelaide] just have to keep doing what they have been doing over the course of the ACL away from home and that's being nice and tight and being a bit cagey because they do have the firepower on the break to hurt. That's what's been successful for us.

"But of course it's critical that the first game away is not to be in a position where the result is unreachable like it was in Tashkent [for Bunyodkor].

"A 1-0 loss wouldn't be too irretrievable but the away goals are obviously crucial. But coming back to Hindmarsh it's a unique environment to play in. It's special when it's packed and players rise to that."

Alagich says the local media has been in a lather about their team strutting the international stage. The club is now truly on the world map.

But he added: "It may take years to sink in as to what Adelaide has managed to achieve."