By David Polkinghorne
Western Sydney Wanderers captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley is the rock in his team's defence who could be the difference between the Wanderers winning or losing their Asian Champions League final against Al-Hilal, according to striker Mark Bridge and former teammate Adam D'Apuzzo.
The pair have witnessed firsthand what can happen where their leader is not on the field and realise how important he is if the Wanderers are to become the first A-League team to win the ACL. Western Sydney host the first leg at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday.
Topor-Stanley has developed into one of Australia's best defenders, forcing his way back into the Socceroos squad in the process, and two games highlight just how important he's become.Credit: Getty Images
Topor-Stanley has developed into one of Australia's best defenders, forcing his way back into the Socceroos squad in the process, and two games highlight just how important he's become.
The Wanderers were leading the Brisbane Roar 1-0 in last season's A-League grand final when the Canberra defender left the field due to a knee injury. The Roar went on to win 2-1, with the Wanderers' defence at sixes and sevens at times following their skipper's departure.
When Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou called up Topor-Stanley, it meant the Wanderers were without him for their A-League season opener against Melbourne Victory - a game they lost 4-1.
It was the only A-League game Topor-Stanley has missed since he became a foundation player for the expansion club.
D'Apuzzo, who retired following the grand final loss, said Topor-Stanley was the leader in the heart of Western Sydney's defence and his organisational skills were sorely missed.
While normally attackers are called match winners, D'Apuzzo felt his old teammate was equally important if the Wanderers were going create history and lift the trophy.
"He's definitely a key figure and the Wanderers need him out there," D'Apuzzo said.
"The leadership qualities that he has and he can get the best out of the players around him.
"Not many Asian teams have his physique, so he's a definite asset at set pieces, in terms of attacking and defending.
"Those can definitely be the winning factor in this finals series."
D'Apuzzo played with Topor-Stanley for the Olyroos, as well as at the Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney.
He felt his former teammate had been one of the best defenders in the A-League for a number of years, but hadn't received the recognition he deserved.
Topor-Stanley comes across as quiet and reserved, but his two mates said that belied a determined and extremely competitive character who hates to lose.
D'Apuzzo said the 29-year-old was very hard on himself and would "put his hand up before pointing the finger at anyone else".
Bridge and Topor-Stanley grew up together playing in national junior teams.
He described his captain as a late bloomer who had grown into his leadership role and who had done enough for the Socceroos against Qatar to keep his spot for the upcoming Asian Cup.
"He's captain, he's our leader, he's the one everyone looks to when we need guidance," Bridge said.
"In the last couple of years I think Nikolai himself would admit he's probably grown up and he's really taken that leadership role on where the younger players in the team definitely look up to him for guidance.
"He's our rock in defence."