Italian superstar Alessandro Diamanti will captain Western United’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men side for the fourth successive season, while Josh Risdon will continue as his vice-captain in 2022/23.
Both foundation players at Western United, Diamanti and Risdon have been key influencers in the Club’s formative years, helping to breed the winning culture that saw the side become A-League Men Champions last season.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said both Diamanti and Risdon were the perfect leaders to continue growing the Club on and off the pitch.
“Both being foundation players, Alessandro and Josh have been key to helping us establish and develop our Club culture over these first three seasons,” he said.
“As well as being outstanding footballers, more importantly they are both top professionals and individuals who embody our Club values and are well respected by their peers.
“Both Alessandro and Josh bring a wealth of experience to our emerging Club and continue to drive the high-performance standards and expectations, making them ideal leaders both on and off the field.”
Diamanti won the Johnny Warren Medal in his first year in the A-League Men and remains a key part of United’s make-up on the pitch, but an equally crucial cog off the field with his leadership in the dressing room.
Diamanti said he is proud to captain the side once again as he looks to build on his 62 appearances for the Club so far.
Risdon took up a leadership position for the first time last season and wore the armband throughout most of the campaign in Diamanti’s absence, including in the Grand Final where he delivered a typically resolute display help United over the line.
Risdon is honoured to be a leader amongst the group again and is looking forward to continuing to shape United’s culture.
Diamanti and Risdon will both continue preparations with the playing squad ahead of the Round 1 Clash against Melbourne City on Friday October 7.
