sport news Key figures in the A-League:12 players that will make or break your football ... trends now
Football is a team game - but in each professional squad there tends to be one player who can make all the difference.
Daily Mail Australia has selected the 12 key individuals who will largely determine the fortunes of their A-League teams once the season kicks-off on Friday night.
Here are the dynamic dozen.
Adelaide United
He may be nudging 31, but winger Craig Goodwin will be a vital player for Carl Veart's Reds. An outside chance of being named in the Socceroos squad for the World Cup in Qatar, Goodwin has a terrific left foot and is a natural leader.
Look for him to combine with Ben Halloran, who has returned to the City of Churches following a stint in South Korea with FC Seoul.
Brisbane Roar
Charlie Austin is exactly what coach Warren Moon desperately craved - a natural goal-scorer. The one-time English Premier League star with Southampton will drive better standards at the club, as the youthful squad look to break into the top six.
Brisbane Roar will look to Charlie Austin for on-field leadership and to score their goals
Central Coast Mariners
Jason Cummings is a character off the field, but come game day, the Scottish born forward means business. Also in the mix for Graham Arnold's Socceroos squad, his combination with 18-year-old Garang Kuol could terrorise defences from the opening round if they click.
Mariners star Jason Cummings has a spring in his step after his recent Socceroos debut - he also will need to fire if the Central Coast are to again play finals football
Macarthur FC
While incoming coach Dwight Yorke will attract plenty of headlines as he enters management following a glittering playing career with the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester United, Daniel de Silva will be the man he looks to run the midfield.
Still only 25, he made his A-League debut with Perth Glory at the age of 15. His combination with fellow attack-minded x-factor Daniel Arzani has Bulls fans salivating.
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke will offer A-list quality as he enters management for the first time for Macarthur FC
Melbourne City
Minor premiers last season, coach Pat Kisnorbo has an embarrassment of riches at his
