It’s team of the month time! 

After 25 matches in the men’s National League Championship last month, we have crunched the numbers and selected the best XI from October. All players have been selected with the help of stats from Wyscout and like any National League Championship game we have made sure to select two U20 players. 
 

Goalkeeper - Scott Basalaj (Wellington Olympic)

The experienced former U20 and U17 international has been a core part of a Wellington Olympic defence that’s only conceded 4 goals all season, keeping 3 clean sheets. 

Left-Back - Liam Schofield (Napier City Rovers)

Napier’s left-back Liam Schofield has made an impact defensively and offensively. In the top three in the league for both crosses and progressive passes, Schofield also leads the stats for sliding tackles. 

Right-Back - Jack-Henry Sinclair (Wellington Olympic)

Ok, ok, this is a bit of a cheat because Jack-Henry Sinclair has been playing more as a right winger for Olympic this season but as he also plays as a wing-back we have included him as part of a very attacking right side. Second top goal scorer in the league, equal top for assists, second highest number of key passes… it’s been another stellar season. 

Centre-Back – Sam Brotherton (Auckland City)

Former All White Sam Brotherton has been a central part of the Auckland City side that has already claimed a treble this season. From looking at the stats, it’s the role that the 26-year-old plays offensively that is most impressive, with more progressive passes than anyone else in the league. 

Centre-Back – Dino Botica (Birkenhead United)

If Sam Brotherton is the attacking centre-back, Dino Botica is the defensive one. The Birkenhead defender is top 10 in the league for aerial duels, interceptions, shot blocking and sliding tackles. 

Defensive Midfield - Michael den Heijer (Auckland United)

The experienced midfielder has played in Europe and Asia and is a dominant force at Keith Hay Park. The 26-year-old has the 8th highest average number of passes per game and 3rd highest number of passes in the final third. This is combined with being top 10 for interceptions, defensive duels, aerial duels and recoveries. 

Central Midfield – Cam Howieson (Auckland City)

If you were writing a list of top players in the league Cam Howieson’s name will always be included and the All White has had another great season so far for the Navy Blues. This is backed up by the stats with Howieson third for key passes, and second for assists. 

Central Midfield – Dan McKay (Wellington Phoenix)

One of the two U20’s players in the team, 18-year-old Dan McKay has had a great 2022 for both club and country. He’s also started the National League Championship in great form with two assists as well as completing the 5th highest number of passes in the final third. 

Left-Wing – Jesse Randall (Wellington Olympic)

The second U20’s player in the squad is Jesse Randall who has been in great form since joining Wellington Olympic earlier this year. He currently has the joint highest number of assists in the league as part of the table topping Olympic side. 

Right-Wing – Lyle Matthysen (Cashmere Technical)

Cash Tech’s Lyle Matthysen tops the key passes stats and is joint top of assists. Added to his two goals and he is a lock for team of the month. 

Centre Forward - Gianni Bouzoukis (Wellington Olympic)

Top scorer in the league with 5 goals in 5 games plus two assists? An easy pick. 

Article added: Friday 04 November 2022