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A-league attendances

Kitwally said:
Respectfully disagree with both LFC and Pat Jennings. Look at the USMNT squad, they have so many players playing in the Top 5 leagues right now: Balogun - Monaco, Weah - Marseille, Aaronson - Leeds, Pulisic - Milan, Tillman - Bayer Levekusen, Weston McKennie - Juventus, Reyna - Monchengladbach, Tessman - Lyon, McKenzie - Toulouse, Scally - Monchengladbach, Freeman - Villarreal, Robinson - Fulham, Richards - Crystal Palace, Cardoso - Athletico Madrid, and captain Tim Ream played 281 games for Fulham. In slightly lesser leagues there’s Trusty - Celtic, Morris - Middlesborough, Pepi - PSV, Agyemang - Derby (injured a few days ago and will miss the WC), and Wright at Coventry (scoring goals for fun and soon to be a Premier League player).

Most, maybe close to all of those players came through the US college system or the MLS. If Poch gets them playing well - which I doubt will happen, I think they will choke under the pressure at home - they could be scary if they can gel as a team. The sheer amount of quality and talent they have Australia can only dream of.

As for the MLS, in addition to young players coming through who will be moving to Europe, you’ve got players going to the WC like Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Son, James Rodrigues, Facundo Torres, Miguel Almiron, Mbokazi (South Africa), the Aussie MLS players like O’Neill, Trewin, Herrington, and obviously the USMNT MLS players. Thomas Muller, Marco Reus, Luis Suarez, Hugo Lloris, Hector Herrera, and Wilfried Zaha among others are still great players, and you’ve got a bunch of Latin-American players that play for their national teams.
Click to expand...

I noted to AI your list of players and then asked it to do a position by position comparison expecting to see the US come out on top. I rate the Socceroos and think the US is too individualistic. i.e. I thought we had a better team and they had better players.

This is what I got. Note - AI picked the players


PositionAustraliaUnited StatesComparison Summary
GKMaty RyanMatt FreeseRyan has the ball-playing composure this system demands; Freese struggles with distribution. [6]
RCBLucas HerringtonChris RichardsHerrington (95% passing) is a natural ball-player; Richards is "slow to turn" in a high-line 3. [14]
CBAlessandro CircatiTim ReamCircati is a modern playmaker (91% pass); Ream (38) is the tactical "brain" but is physically fading. [1]
LCBCameron BurgessAuston Trusty / Mark McKenzieBurgess is an established PL anchor; the US lacks a convincing third left-sided CB. [15]
RWBJacob ItalianoSergiño DestItaliano is a "self-sufficient" goal threat (March hat-trick); Dest is technical but often caught out of position. [17]
LWBJordan BosAntonee RobinsonBos is in scintillating scoring form (3 in 3); Robinson is a world-class defender but less of a goal threat. [3]
CMMax BalardTyler AdamsBalard is a selfless Eredivisie engine; Adams is an elite destroyer but lacks Balard's passing range. [16]
CMAlexander RobertsonWeston McKennieRobertson offers creative flair; McKennie is versatile but currently in a deep form slump. [16]
RFNestory IrankundaTimothy WeahIrankunda is a "chaos agent" who creates his own shots; Weah needs service to be effective. [3]
LFRiley McGreeChristian PulisicMcGree is a disciplined "game-breaker"; Pulisic is in a goalless funk and a spat with Pochettino. [4]
STMo ToureFolarin BalogunToure creates his own chances; Balogun is isolated when service from the wing-backs is cut off. [1]


Tactical Summary: Why 3-at-the-Back Favours Australia

The Passing Floor: Australia’s back three (Circati, Herrington, Burgess) averages over 90% pass completion [1, 14]. Pochettino’s back three is forced to include Ream (for leadership) and either Trusty or McKenzie [15], neither of whom possess the same composure under pressure.

Wing-Back Efficiency: A 3-at-the-back system lives and dies by its wing-backs. Jordan Bos and Jacob Italiano have combined for 6 goals for club and country in 2026 [3, 17]. Robinson and Dest are excellent players, but they don't offer the same "clutch" goal-scoring output right now.

The "Chaos" Factor: In a mirrored system, individual duels matter more. Nestory Irankunda and Mo Toure are specialists at beating their man 1v1 without needing a complex buildup [1, 3]. The U.S. attackers—particularly Pulisic and Balogun—are currently struggling to find that same individual spark.

The Final Word
Even if Pochettino matches the formation, the Socceroos look like a team that has perfected the "system," while the USMNT looks like a team trying to hide its flaws. Australia's "addition through subtraction" and reliance on in-form youngsters like Herrington and Toure gives them the technical and physical edge in every department.

I haven't checked whether the veracity of what AI gave me (ie. I thought McKennie was the only US player to have a good March window) - but it did surprise
 
:ROFLMAO: :LOL:🇦🇺⚽
luv it patj AI check mate of the USMT top league players hehe
They are not much chop period barring the exceptions I've mentioned and I stand by it.
 
patjennings said:
I noted to AI your list of players and then asked it to do a position by position comparison expecting to see the US come out on top. I rate the Socceroos and think the US is too individualistic. i.e. I thought we had a better team and they had better players.

This is what I got. Note - AI picked the players


PositionAustraliaUnited StatesComparison Summary
GKMaty RyanMatt FreeseRyan has the ball-playing composure this system demands; Freese struggles with distribution. [6]
RCBLucas HerringtonChris RichardsHerrington (95% passing) is a natural ball-player; Richards is "slow to turn" in a high-line 3. [14]
CBAlessandro CircatiTim ReamCircati is a modern playmaker (91% pass); Ream (38) is the tactical "brain" but is physically fading. [1]
LCBCameron BurgessAuston Trusty / Mark McKenzieBurgess is an established PL anchor; the US lacks a convincing third left-sided CB. [15]
RWBJacob ItalianoSergiño DestItaliano is a "self-sufficient" goal threat (March hat-trick); Dest is technical but often caught out of position. [17]
LWBJordan BosAntonee RobinsonBos is in scintillating scoring form (3 in 3); Robinson is a world-class defender but less of a goal threat. [3]
CMMax BalardTyler AdamsBalard is a selfless Eredivisie engine; Adams is an elite destroyer but lacks Balard's passing range. [16]
CMAlexander RobertsonWeston McKennieRobertson offers creative flair; McKennie is versatile but currently in a deep form slump. [16]
RFNestory IrankundaTimothy WeahIrankunda is a "chaos agent" who creates his own shots; Weah needs service to be effective. [3]
LFRiley McGreeChristian PulisicMcGree is a disciplined "game-breaker"; Pulisic is in a goalless funk and a spat with Pochettino. [4]
STMo ToureFolarin BalogunToure creates his own chances; Balogun is isolated when service from the wing-backs is cut off. [1]


Tactical Summary: Why 3-at-the-Back Favours Australia

The Passing Floor: Australia’s back three (Circati, Herrington, Burgess) averages over 90% pass completion [1, 14]. Pochettino’s back three is forced to include Ream (for leadership) and either Trusty or McKenzie [15], neither of whom possess the same composure under pressure.

Wing-Back Efficiency: A 3-at-the-back system lives and dies by its wing-backs. Jordan Bos and Jacob Italiano have combined for 6 goals for club and country in 2026 [3, 17]. Robinson and Dest are excellent players, but they don't offer the same "clutch" goal-scoring output right now.

The "Chaos" Factor: In a mirrored system, individual duels matter more. Nestory Irankunda and Mo Toure are specialists at beating their man 1v1 without needing a complex buildup [1, 3]. The U.S. attackers—particularly Pulisic and Balogun—are currently struggling to find that same individual spark.

The Final Word
Even if Pochettino matches the formation, the Socceroos look like a team that has perfected the "system," while the USMNT looks like a team trying to hide its flaws. Australia's "addition through subtraction" and reliance on in-form youngsters like Herrington and Toure gives them the technical and physical edge in every department.

I haven't checked whether the veracity of what AI gave me (ie. I thought McKennie was the only US player to have a good March window) - but it did surprise
Click to expand...

We dont have a single player that will be able to go with Brendan Aaronson.

His season at Leeds has been very strong.

Aaronson is arguably the USAs best player so not sure why he isnt listed.
 
CentreHalf said:
We dont have a single player that will be able to go with Brendan Aaronson.

His season at Leeds has been very strong.

Aaronson is arguably the USAs best player so not sure why he isnt listed.
Click to expand...
I didn't pick the names - but that said few analysts have him as a starter - more as an impact player. As an NT player since July 2023 he has 2 goals and 2 assists.
 
patjennings said:
I noted to AI your list of players and then asked it to do a position by position comparison expecting to see the US come out on top. I rate the Socceroos and think the US is too individualistic. i.e. I thought we had a better team and they had better players.

This is what I got. Note - AI picked the players


PositionAustraliaUnited StatesComparison Summary
GKMaty RyanMatt FreeseRyan has the ball-playing composure this system demands; Freese struggles with distribution. [6]
RCBLucas HerringtonChris RichardsHerrington (95% passing) is a natural ball-player; Richards is "slow to turn" in a high-line 3. [14]
CBAlessandro CircatiTim ReamCircati is a modern playmaker (91% pass); Ream (38) is the tactical "brain" but is physically fading. [1]
LCBCameron BurgessAuston Trusty / Mark McKenzieBurgess is an established PL anchor; the US lacks a convincing third left-sided CB. [15]
RWBJacob ItalianoSergiño DestItaliano is a "self-sufficient" goal threat (March hat-trick); Dest is technical but often caught out of position. [17]
LWBJordan BosAntonee RobinsonBos is in scintillating scoring form (3 in 3); Robinson is a world-class defender but less of a goal threat. [3]
CMMax BalardTyler AdamsBalard is a selfless Eredivisie engine; Adams is an elite destroyer but lacks Balard's passing range. [16]
CMAlexander RobertsonWeston McKennieRobertson offers creative flair; McKennie is versatile but currently in a deep form slump. [16]
RFNestory IrankundaTimothy WeahIrankunda is a "chaos agent" who creates his own shots; Weah needs service to be effective. [3]
LFRiley McGreeChristian PulisicMcGree is a disciplined "game-breaker"; Pulisic is in a goalless funk and a spat with Pochettino. [4]
STMo ToureFolarin BalogunToure creates his own chances; Balogun is isolated when service from the wing-backs is cut off. [1]


Tactical Summary: Why 3-at-the-Back Favours Australia

The Passing Floor: Australia’s back three (Circati, Herrington, Burgess) averages over 90% pass completion [1, 14]. Pochettino’s back three is forced to include Ream (for leadership) and either Trusty or McKenzie [15], neither of whom possess the same composure under pressure.

Wing-Back Efficiency: A 3-at-the-back system lives and dies by its wing-backs. Jordan Bos and Jacob Italiano have combined for 6 goals for club and country in 2026 [3, 17]. Robinson and Dest are excellent players, but they don't offer the same "clutch" goal-scoring output right now.

The "Chaos" Factor: In a mirrored system, individual duels matter more. Nestory Irankunda and Mo Toure are specialists at beating their man 1v1 without needing a complex buildup [1, 3]. The U.S. attackers—particularly Pulisic and Balogun—are currently struggling to find that same individual spark.

The Final Word
Even if Pochettino matches the formation, the Socceroos look like a team that has perfected the "system," while the USMNT looks like a team trying to hide its flaws. Australia's "addition through subtraction" and reliance on in-form youngsters like Herrington and Toure gives them the technical and physical edge in every department.

I haven't checked whether the veracity of what AI gave me (ie. I thought McKennie was the only US player to have a good March window) - but it did surprise
Click to expand...
I like the Socceroos team AI has selected. Unfortunately Popa won’t pick Balard and Robertson in central midfield………
 
Another different look at the data.

How the 10 oldest clubs have performed against each other:

1777454487274.png

An uptick next season is definitely needed! If you have a look at the dip in 2010-11 and then the recovery, it's definitely doable jumping up again from where we currently are, but it's a lot harder without media support.


And below, the average across all seasons (orange) by week of the year. Four week rolling average in red.

1777454625359.png


One thing to consider with this is the scheduling of blockbusters and derbies. I haven't gone in depth with these matches, but I kinda get the feeling that the trough before Christmas is due to lack of big matches, where those are saved for season launches and New Year holidays. But that's just a guess right now. And then of course there's the launch of BBL, but that, and the heat, surprisingly don't seem to hurt the crowds.

There's a constant drop once AFL starts. A-League finals come just in time to arrest the drop, maybe could even start those a month earlier, and start the season 1-2 months earlier! It looks like the A-League can do well enough during AFL finals, although week one of AFL finals is a dead zone, this would be a good time to take matches elsewhere, or even have an international friendly like the Soccer Ashes.
 
HappyGuus said:
Another different look at the data.

How the 10 oldest clubs have performed against each other:

View attachment 6626

An uptick next season is definitely needed! If you have a look at the dip in 2010-11 and then the recovery, it's definitely doable jumping up again from where we currently are, but it's a lot harder without media support.


And below, the average across all seasons (orange) by week of the year. Four week rolling average in red.

View attachment 6628


One thing to consider with this is the scheduling of blockbusters and derbies. I haven't gone in depth with these matches, but I kinda get the feeling that the trough before Christmas is due to lack of big matches, where those are saved for season launches and New Year holidays. But that's just a guess right now. And then of course there's the launch of BBL, but that, and the heat, surprisingly don't seem to hurt the crowds.

There's a constant drop once AFL starts. A-League finals come just in time to arrest the drop, maybe could even start those a month earlier, and start the season 1-2 months earlier! It looks like the A-League can do well enough during AFL finals, although week one of AFL finals is a dead zone, this would be a good time to take matches elsewhere, or even have an international friendly like the Soccer Ashes.
Click to expand...
You were going semi ok, until your last two words! Ashes is cricket, nothing else.
 
HappyGuus said:
Another different look at the data.

How the 10 oldest clubs have performed against each other:

View attachment 6626

An uptick next season is definitely needed! If you have a look at the dip in 2010-11 and then the recovery, it's definitely doable jumping up again from where we currently are, but it's a lot harder without media support.


And below, the average across all seasons (orange) by week of the year. Four week rolling average in red.

View attachment 6628


One thing to consider with this is the scheduling of blockbusters and derbies. I haven't gone in depth with these matches, but I kinda get the feeling that the trough before Christmas is due to lack of big matches, where those are saved for season launches and New Year holidays. But that's just a guess right now. And then of course there's the launch of BBL, but that, and the heat, surprisingly don't seem to hurt the crowds.

There's a constant drop once AFL starts. A-League finals come just in time to arrest the drop, maybe could even start those a month earlier, and start the season 1-2 months earlier! It looks like the A-League can do well enough during AFL finals, although week one of AFL finals is a dead zone, this would be a good time to take matches elsewhere, or even have an international friendly like the Soccer Ashes.
Click to expand...
nice plot, would like to see 5 year rolling averages. I will do them if I get time
 
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