The Spanish influence on the A-League has been a notable feature this season.
The Spaniards bring a new technical dimension to the game and a level of experience that has proven invaluable, reflected in the team and individual football honours awarded at season’s end.
The two grand-finalists each featured a strong Spanish influence, particularly in the midfield, with Dimas and Andreu for Western Sydney Wanderers and Isaias and Cirio for the Reds.
Spaniards also featured prominently at the Dolan Warren awards ceremony in Sydney last Tuesday night, which recognise the A-League’s highest individual achievements.
Perth Glory’s 33-year-old winger, Diego Castro, won the Johnny Warren medal for the A-League’s player of the year, in just his first season in Australian football.
The former La Liga player narrowly pipped Melbourne City’s Aaron Mooy who, with Roar’s Jamie McLaren, were the two Australian players to finish in the top five.
Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe accepted the award on Castro’s behalf as Castro is holidaying overseas after the end of Perth’s season.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lowe said of Castro to Fox Sports: “He’s a very nice guy. He’s got no ego, he’s very humble. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s fiery as well. You can upset him. But he cares and he’s been a joy for us. The more we got to know him and understand him, we found out a little about him and where we should play him. But he’s a free spirit and he’s a joy. Just let him be free.”
Along with Castro’s award, another Spaniard and first time coach in the A-League, Adelaide United’s Guillermo Amor, won the coach of the year award after leading his side from bottom place in round five to winning the Premier’s Plate and grand final on Sunday.
HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 2015/16 AWARDS
Johnny Warren Medal (Player of the Year): Diego Castro – Perth Glory
Hyundai A-League NAB Young Footballer of the Year: Jamie Maclaren – Brisbane Roar FC
Goalkeeper of the Year: Thomas Sorensen – Melbourne City FC
Nike Golden Boot Award: Bruno Fornaroli – Melbourne City FC (23 goals)
Coach of the Year: Guillermo Amor – Adelaide United
WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE 2015/16 AWARDS
Julie Dolan Medal: Ashleigh Sykes – Canberra United
Westfield W-League NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award: Larissa Crummer – Melbourne City FC
Goalkeeper of the Year: Kaitlyn Savage – Adelaide United
Coach of the Year: Craig Deans – Newcastle Jets
Golden Boot Award: Larissa Crummer – Melbourne City FC