Alexander Baumjohann

Baumjohann is a divisive player, common with traditional number 10s around the world. His languid style of play where he doesn’t run back after losing the ball or go for a crunching tackle give off an essence that he might not be giving 100%.

But on nights like Friday, playmakers like Baumjohann reign supreme. Against a weak Newcastle Jets side, the German dictated play with the time and space provided to really put his opponents to the sword.

He might not have earned an assist on the night, but he put Rhyan Grant through to cross it for Adam Le Fondre for the second goal, and then provided the corner for the Sky Blues’ third goal. It’s rare to see the 32 year old overhit a pass, and his perfectly weighted balls are a dream for the forwards ahead of him.

The former Western Sydney midfielder showed his clear quality against the Jets, but he might need to prove himself against sterner oppositions if he is to convince his doubters that he’s one of the league’s best players.

Scott McDonald

Western United received a lot of doubt about the quality of their squad considering their age profile, but McDonald showed age may not be such an issue as he took control of Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

He was the man at the forefront of United’s comeback from 2-0 down as he ducked and weaved his way through the Melbourne Victory defence.

The best example of that was United’s equalising goal, where McDonald received the ball on the corner of the box and caught Leigh Broxham off with a cutback that gave him enough time to put in a cross which Josh Risdon set up for Besart Berisha to put in with the final touch.

The former Socceroo wasn’t done there though, as he found himself with enough time in the box after receiving a pass from Panagiotis Kone and took a couple of touches before firing a shot that went in following a Broxham deflection.

More performances like that by McDonald and co, and Western United should be a shoo-in for the top six.