A perennial rock at the back for Sydney FC, Matthew Jurman was more than deserving of his Hyundai A-League Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Members Player of the Year awards for the 2015/16 season.
Starting and completing all 25 Hyundai A-League games he featured in, accruing 2250 minutes, Jurman put in a number of impressive defensive displays, dominating both in the air and on the ground.
The 26 year old central defender made a remarkable 105 interceptions, a league high, whilst also putting in 11 blocks and making 85 clearances as he looked to protect Vedran Janjetovic’s goal.
Of the 29 tackles attempted, Jurman completed 23, while also successfully winning 91 of his 145 duels and 46 of his 72 aerial duels.
In his own half, Jurman’s passing accuracy rose to 82.8% while 45.5% of his balls played long were successful in finding their mark.
Defenders aren’t known for scoring, however Jurman’s incisive balls into the area created havoc for opposition defences.
Carrying the ball forward when granted space, Jurman created five chances for the Sky Blues’ front men and was rewarded with one assist as his knock down in the area to Shane Smeltz him blast home the Sydney Derby winner in round 15.
With a standout Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season under his belt, Jurman will now be looking to continue his form in the AFC Champions League and carry it over to the new season.
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