Goal 15 - Albert Riera

No.13 - Albert Riera (Wellington Phoenix)

Profile

Such was his impact in his first season in the A-League, Albert Riera was voted in the top 15 players in the competition by Goal Australia and Sportal.com.au journalists. The 29-year-old former paramedic also took out the Wellington Phoenix's player of the year award.

Riera signed a one-year deal with the Phoenix in October last year, having impressed for Auckland City in their clash against Ernie Merrick's men in pre-season. He had only played semi-professionally in Spain before earning the deal with the Phoenix. And he made the most of his opportunity.

The Spaniard became a regular in central midfield for Wellington, until a groin injury saw him sidelined late in the season. Riera was supremely important for the Phoenix, capable of producing in both an attacking and defensive sense. Riera broke up attacks, while his short passing game allowed Wellington to keep possession well.

Strengths

Riera is far from the flashiest player in the competition but he does the basics exceptionally well. He was named in the A-League All-Star team and impressed in their 3-2 loss to Serie A champions Juventus.

With Carlos Hernandez playing in front of him last season, Riera was needed to provide protection to the back four and link defence and attack for the Phoenix. Finding a player to do that role well is difficult but in Riera Wellington have one who has shown he can and largely consistently.

Credit must go to the club and Merrick for taking what was undoubtedly a risk with the Spaniard, who had gone to New Zealand to travel and work.

Announcing Riera's signing, Merrick described him as a "ball winner" with "first-class" passing, while hailing his composure and on-field maturity. He appears to have been proven right after the midfielder's first season.

Defining moment

Defensive midfielders rarely get the plaudits they deserve and picking out individual moments can be even more difficult. Riera had one assist in 2013-14 and it came in one of his and the Phoenix's better games. The Phoenix crushed Melbourne Victory 5-0 in Wellington in January, with Riera setting up Jeremy Brockie's goal and the hosts' fourth. It came via a well-weighted long pass straight down the middle of the pitch. Riera completed 49 passes – the second most – during the clash, in what was a fine team and individual display.

Riera also enjoyed a good game against Juventus in August. Up against a midfield that included Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio, Riera was composed and one of the better performers. He would have been excused for being overawed but he held his own against some of the world's best.

It was just another indication of what Riera, who has a contract until mid-2015, is capable of producing. His importance to the Phoenix could become clearer this season and opponents will be eager to make things more difficult for him. If he can stand up under more pressure, Riera is sure to earn a new deal, if not draw attention from other A-League clubs.