The new A-League Men's competition is nearly here and Sporting News has ranked the top five midfielders in the league.
The list is ranked on the player's past performances in the league, weighted toward the most recent form, but isn't including playmakers
Join in the conversation on Sporting News Australia's Facebook page with your top five or any changes you would make.
5. Jay O'Shea (Brisbane Roar)
The 33-year-old Irishman has established himself as one of the most creative deeper-lying midfielders in the league over his past two seasons in the A-League Men's comp.
O'Shea originally played as an attacking midfielder for the Roar but shifted to a deeper role by the end of this first season, which he recorded eight assists in.
He continued his fine form last season - contributing four goals and three assists - as the Roar finished a surprise fourth on the standings.
4. Luke Brattan (Sydney FC)
The 31-year-old is an A-League veteran who has excelled with three clubs - Brisbane Roar, Melbourne City and now Sydney FC.
Brattan is the tempo player in midfield, who demands the ball, distributes it and controls the speed of the game.
While he doesn't score many goals, the ones he does and usually long-range scorchers that are beautiful on the eye.
3. Steven Ugarkovic (Wanderers)
One of the most underrated midfielders in the competition, Ugarkovic has been the beating heart of Newcastle Jets' midfield since 2016.
After finally securing a move to the Wanderers, the 27-year-old will be looking to take this game to the next level in a team that will be hoping to challenge for honours.
Ugarkovic likes to sit deep, break up play and is a quality distributor of the ball.
2. Connor Metcalfe (Melbourne City)
The 21-year-old has worked his way into Melbourne City's first team and excelled last season when the club won the A-League Men's championship.
Despite a deeper role, Metcalfe also contributed five goals and three assists to show his ability as an all-round midfielder.
His form caught the eye of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, with the midfielder getting his first two national caps in June against Chinese Taipei and Nepal.
1. Oliver Bozanic (Mariners)
The veteran established himself as one of the best midfielders in the competition after returning to the Mariners following a spell with Hearts in Scotland.
Bozanic was a key season why surprise packets Central Coast led the league early and finished a respectable third place at the end of the regular season.
The 32-year-old is another tempo midfielder, who can break up play but also get forward to score goals - which he contributed three of in 2020-21.
