Rising Stars of the Hyundai A-League

The A-League is the Premier Division in Australia, it is not well-known outside of Asia but it is a growing competition. In its fifth season, the league has shown an increase in the number of talented youngsters breaking into the first team.

Here are some up-and-coming youngsters that will feature for the national team in the future.

Daniel Mullen

David Mullen is a 20-year-old fullback playing for Adelaide United.

Last season, Mullen burst onto the scene with his impressive performances on the flanks for Adelaide. His breakthrough year was followed by a first-ever cap for Australia in which he was the first person ever to wear a three-digit number on his shirt.

This season has been less impressive, with Mullen unable to back up from his breakthrough year and struggle to get a first-team place.

Mathew Leckie

Mathew Leckie is an 18-year-old right winger/support striker who also plays for Adelaide United.

This season, he burst onto the scene when he came off the bench to score a great individual effort against North Queensland Fury. The hot prospect is a class player who has great speed, dribbles well and finishes well.

Thomas Oar

Thomas Oar is an 18 year old left winger who plays for Brisbane Roar. Oar burst onto the scene towards the end of last year when he scored a spectacular free kick that won the game for Brisbane Roar.

This season he has been able to back it up. He is an old school type winger who likes to challenge full backs, he has speed that can outrun many players, he is a great crosser of the ball and has had a few assists this season as well as being a half decent free kick taker.

This season he has shown a lot of promise but consistency is one of the only parts of his game he needs to improve upon.

Michael Zullo

Michael Zullo is a left winger come left back who plays for Brisbane Roar. The 21 year old Zullo has been a consistent performer for the Roar in the past two seasons, changing positions just recently from winger to fullback.

Zullo is yet to be capped by Australia but is knocking on the door. His speed is a great asset and is a decent crosser of the ball.

Danny Vukovic

Danny Vukovic is a 24 year old goalkeeper who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners. Vukovic has been the number one at Central Coast for the past four seasons and that looks to continue next season.

Vukovic's career had a slip up in the 2007/2008 season, where in the grand final he barely slapped the referee and was sent off. The next day the FFA (Football Federation Australia) banned him for 15 months.

After he served six months he was allowed to play and his form improved considerably and this season has been the form keeper of the competition. At just 24, he is yet to hit his prime and could be Australia's future No. 1.

Mate Dugandzic

Mate Dugandzic is a 20 year old attacking midfielder who currently plays for Melbourne Victory.

Mate burst onto the scene with a great performance against Adelaide United where he scored a brace. Before joining Melbourne, Dugandzic played for Dinamo Zagreb youth team.

While at Dinamo he was loaned out to Croatian Second Division side NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. Mate is a good dribbler and has a fair amount of pace. He is a good play maker.

Sean Rooney

Sean Rooney is a 20-year-old striker who plays for Newcastle United Jets. Rooney burst onto the scene this season with his consistently good performances for the Jets.

Although not scoring many goals, Rooney is a similar player to Emile Heskey. Rooney has pace and is a good finisher even though his goal tally doesn't back it up.

Scott Neville

Scott Neville is a 21 year old right back/centre back who plays for Perth Glory. Neville burst onto the scene with his consistent performances for Perth at right back.

The right back has been a solid player for Perth this season. Neville has pace, and marks up well.

Kofi Danning

Kofi Danning is an 18 year old winger who plays for Sydney FC. Kofi burst onto the scene last season with his impressive performances towards the end of the season in which he scored two goals.

Kofi is a naturally gifted player and his technique is great. He is a good finisher, has a great amount of pace and is a good dribbler.