This week we welcome back our fan blog from last season ‘Matt’s Musings’. In his first entry this season, Matt assess the partnership formed between new signings Richard Garcia and Josip Tadic.
This week we welcome back our fan blog from last season ‘Matt’s Musings’. In his first entry this season, Matt assess the partnership formed between new signings Richard Garcia and Josip Tadic.
Melbourne Heart let two points slip at the weekend, dropping two leads to draw 3-3 with Emile Heskey-s Newcastle Jets.
To have had to settle for a point when it seemed three was assured at several points in the game was disappointing.
But there were plenty of positives to take from the game, none more so than another terrific performance from both Richard Garcia and Josip Tadic, who continue to grow into one of the league-s most exciting partnerships.
The two scored all three of Heart-s goals between them, and combined to great effect throughout the game to create chances for each other and also for others. The pair lead Haert’s goalscoring charts with three goals apiece.
Tadic has improved with each game since scoring a wonder goal to open his Heart account against Western Sydney Wanderers. His first touch has to be up there with the best in the league, perhaps best demonstrated by his immaculate control and vision in the lead up to Heart-s third goal.
Receiving a pass that seemed to be dreadfully over hit among a crowd of Jets defenders, Tadic killed the ball with one touch, turning before spreading the ball out wide to the onrushing Matt Thompson out wide, who provided Garcia with the easiest of opportunity.
It was another example demonstrating how Tadic-s rise in form has also provided Garcia with the perfect foil for his own game.
The former winger turned attacking midfielder has been a nightmare to defend against all season, with his late ghosting runs into the box proving difficult for our opposition to mark.
His quality on the ball, his finishing when presented the chance and his overall industry when defending have been a massive addition to the Heart squad already this season, and with defenders clamouring to keep Tadic quiet, Garcia is suddenly finding himself with a lot more space to work in, and a new avenue to goal.
Garcia and Tadic flew under the radar with so many big-name players coming into the competition over the off-season, but they have thus far proven two of the league-s most astute purchases, with the two scoring six between them already this season.
Unfortunately we will have to make do without one half of that partnership for the upcoming two games, with Richard Garcia playing his way back into Holger Osieck-s East Asia Cup plans for the Socceroos.
It is a real shame too, coming up against a Sydney FC, whose defensive frailties have not been much of a secret thus far this season. We have our own problems at the back at the moment, but Sydney are a side that have looked particularly disorganized over the opening eight games of the season and one can-t help but think that Garcia would have had a field day on current form.
Thankfully, Heart are blessed with a number of options in Garcia-s area of the pitch, and whilst none have combined with Tadic as well as Garcia this season, such is Tadic-s quality and form, it is likely that one of Fred or Thompson could enjoy linking up with the big Croatian striker from deep as much as Garcia has.
The fact that Tadic is such a handful for defenders, usually requiring the attention of both central defenders, and his terrific touch, strength and vision for a pass makes him a dream for Heart-s attacking midfielders and wingers, who can revel in the space left behind.
It is still early days, but if current form can be maintained, Heart might just lay claim to two of the best signings of the off-season, when all is said and done.
Follow Matthew on Twitter @mg91
