It’s entering crunch time in the OFC Pro League, as teams jostle for position inside the top four and a place in the Leaders Group.
A number of players are coming off breakthrough individual performances in Melbourne, as the action heads to the Solomon Islands for two more games each during Round 4.
We’ve picked one player from each club to watch out for during the Pro League’s stay in Honiara.
Junior David | Solomon Kings FC
Age: 24
Position: Defender
Key to the Solomon Kings FC success so far this season has been their backline, of which Junior David, Gordon Iro, and David Supa, have started all nine games, keeping four clean sheets – the second highest in the competition.
David has been impressive as the side’s starting right-back in particular, also offering an attacking presence down the flank, and scoring his first professional goal in a 2-1 victory over PNG Hekari FC in Melbourne.
He and his teammates may be feeling the pressure slightly after leaking five goals in a heavy defeat to South Melbourne FC last time out though, and the Solomon Islands international will be eager to rectify that defensive record when the Kings host both of the league’s current top two in front of their home fans for the first time.
Max Mikkola | South Melbourne FC
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
A standout for South Melbourne FC in front of their home fans during Round 3, Max Mikkola’s long throws have been a lethal weapon for the Australian club through the competition so far.
On top of his set-piece threat, he’s also scored three goals for his side in the OFC Pro League and started seven of their eight matches.
South Melbourne FC are the league’s top scorers, in part thanks to a wide contribution of goals from across the squad, with Mikkola key in both scoring and creating for his side.
Thomas Dunn | Bula FC
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
Capped 25 times for the Fijian national side already, Thomas Dunn scored his first OFC Pro League goal in Melbourne as Bula FC registered just their second win of the competition over PNG Hekari FC 2-1.
Given his side’s inconsistencies to start the season, he’ll be eager to use his performances in Melbourne as a platform for better results in Honiara.
The Fijian side have the lowest number of goals scored in the league this season and will be looking to the likes of Dunn to help support a struggling frontline.
Bill Kaltack | Vanuatu United FC
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
The cousin of Vanuatu national team captain Brian Kaltack, Bill announced himself on the Pro League stage in Melbourne, scoring two goals as Vanuatu United FC recorded their first two victories of the competition.
The midfielder has a couple of international caps for Vanuatu and has started in eight of Vanuatu United’s nine Pro League matches.
Vanuatu United currently sit just one point outside of the top four and will be looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to PNG Hekari in their final Round 3 match.
Tass Mourdoukoutas | Auckland FC
Age: 27
Position: Defender
Having had injury briefly curtail his Pro League season in just his third match during Round 1, Tass Mourdoukoutas made his return to the Auckland FC backline for Round 3 of the competition in Melbourne.
He started the side’s 1-0 win over Tahiti United, keeping a clean sheet on his return, and will be eager to settle back into the squad as Auckland FC attempt to maintain their position atop the table in Honiara.
Joseph Joe | PNG Hekari FC
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
Joseph Joe has proven PNG Hekari FC’s creative playmaker through the first three rounds of the OFC Pro League, scoring three goals in Melbourne.
The Papua New Guinea international was on the scoresheet as PNG Hekari recorded their first victory over Vanuatu United FC, and is the club’s top goal-scorer with four overall as the action heads to Honiara.
Despite being bottom of the standings, PNG Hekari are still in with a chance of making the top four, but will need even more from the likes of Joe if they are to have a chance of achieving that goal.
Matéo Degrumelle | Tahiti United
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Matéo Degrumelle scored his first professional goal for Tahiti United in a 2-1 win over PNG Hekari FC during Round 3 in Melbourne.
Offering plenty of pace and skill going forward, the Tahitian international has started all eight of Tahiti United’s Pro League fixtures so far, and has been a catalyst for their rise up the table heading to Honiara.
Tahiti United are one of three sides on nine points, sitting just a point adrift of the top four with plenty still to play for.
Ryan Feutz | South Island United
Age: 24
Position: Forward
South Island United’s top goal-scorer through the first three rounds, Ryan Feutz has made an impact upon his return to football in the region, after spending two seasons in the New South Wales NPL in Australia.
Feutz has scored four goals in the OFC Pro League and will be relied upon in the Solomon Islands, as South Island United attempt to keep their spot in the top four.
The New Zealanders failed to register a victory in Melbourne, with a loss and a draw, alongside their postponed match against Auckland FC, and will be keen to return to winning ways when they face PNG Hekari FC on the opening day of Round 4 action.
Watch Round 4 of the OFC Pro League LIVE and FREE on FIFA+, or through your local broadcaster.
Click HERE for details.
Buy tickets for Round 4 HERE