Joe Gauci

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Joe Gauci
Joeg (cropped).jpg
Joe Gauci playing for Adelaide United in 2022
Personal information
Full name Joe Anthony Gauci [1]
Date of birth (2000-07-04) 4 July 2000 (age 23)
Place of birth Adelaide, Australia [2]
Height 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in) [2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Aston Villa
Number 18
Youth career
Waiheke United
Cumberland United
2011–2015 FFSA NTC
2015–2017 Cumberland United
2018–2019 Central Coast Mariners
2019–2020 Melbourne City
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2017–2018 West Torrens Birkalla 31 (0)
2018–2019 Central Coast Mariners 0 (0)
2018–2019 CCM Academy 5 (0)
2019 Adelaide City 8 (0)
2019–2020 Melbourne City 0 (0)
2020–2024 Adelaide United 71 (0)
2021 Adelaide United NPL 2 (0)
2024– Aston Villa 0 (0)
International career‡
2022 Australia U23 5 (0)
2023– Australia 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 6 January 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 28 March 2022

Joe Anthony Gauci (born 4 July 2000) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Aston Villa and the Australia national team. [3]

Contents

Gauci's career began when he received a scholarship deal with Central Coast Mariners and subsequently joined Adelaide City and Melbourne City before signing a scholarship contract with Adelaide United in 2020. Gauci made his A-League debut in 2021.

Internationally, Gauci received his first call-up to the Australia national team in 2022 as a train-on player and made his debut in a friendly match against Ecuador in 2023.

Career

Early career

While living in New Zealand, Gauci played with local Waiheke Island side Waiheke United at youth level. Every second week, Gauci and his brother traveled by ferry to Auckland to play football, where Gauci initially started playing as a striker. [4] [5] It was during a school holiday clinic that he started playing as a goalkeeper. [5] [6] [7]

After a period of time on Waiheke Island, Gauci's parents made the decision to return to South Australia, deeming it the best move for the family. Gauci joined Cumberland United U12s, attracted by the fact that some of his schoolmates were also looking to play there. [5]

As Gauci progressed through the ranks at Cumberland United, he received increasingly specialized training. However, he encountered what he considered a major setback in his young career when he failed to make South Australia's State Identification team. Gauci went through the state selection process once again. This time, securing a spot in the U14 team. [6] This not only allowed him to represent South Australia in the Nationals held at Coffs Harbour but also led to his selection in the NTC (National Training Centre) team, where he was coached by Carl Veart. [5]

At 16 years old, Gauci caught the attention of scouts while captaining West Torrens Birkalla's U18 side in the National Premier Leagues (NPL). Gauci led his team to the title, triumphing over Adelaide City in the final. [5] In February, Gauci was offered a trial with Central Coast Mariners though he was not offered a contract. However, in May, the club invited him back for another week of training and soon earned himself a two-year scholarship deal with the Mariners on 19 June 2018. [8] [9]

After completing his contract and being released by Central Coast Mariners, [10] Gauci signed a contract with Adelaide City for the remainder of the NPL season on 4 June 2019. [11] The team faced a challenging start to the NPL season, as they began with a deduction of six points due to sanctions imposed by the Football Federation SA for contract breaches. [12] Gauci finished the season with 8 league appearances for his side. [13] On 9 September, Gauci signed a scholarship contract with Melbourne City, becoming part of their scholarship program and joining their A-League Youth squad. [14] [15]

Adelaide United

2020–2021: Breakthrough season

On 7 October 2020, Gauci returned to his hometown after serving as a backup goalkeeper at Melbourne City, when he signed a scholarship deal with Adelaide United, ahead of the 2020–21 A-League campaign. [16] Due to James Delianov's last-minute fitness test failure, Gauci was handed his A-League debut on 13 March 2021 in an Original Rivalry clash against Melbourne Victory. He helped his team secure a 3–1 victory at Marvel Stadium. [17]

In his third appearance for Adelaide United, Gauci achieved his first clean sheet in the match against Sydney FC which saw Gauci produce a notable save in the 89th minute, denying Sydney's Patrick Wood a late equalizer. [18] United won the game1–0, securing their sixth-straight win of the season – a feat the club hadn't accomplished since the inaugural A-League season in 2005–06. [19] [20] Carl Veart, now the head coach of Adelaide United, praised Gauci's performance and recognized his impact on the team's success. [21]

On 13 May, Gauci suffered a thigh injury during a warm-up session before a match against Melbourne City, resulting in him being ruled out for the remainder of the season. [22] However, despite the setback, Gauci's performances in the 10 league appearances he made, which included three clean sheets, resulted in him extending his contract for an additional two years with Adelaide United on 25 May. [23]

2021–2023: Continuing success with Adelaide United

After a seven-month absence from competitive appearances, Joe Gauci had to miss the game against Wellington Phoenix at Hindmarsh Stadium on 1 January 2022 due to contracting COVID-19. [24] Gauci made a full return to the pitch in a 1–1 Original Rivalry draw against Melbourne Victory the following week. [25] On 26 May, Gauci was sent off in the 27th minute of the match against Central Coast Mariners following VAR intervention when his collision with Marco Ureña led to a red card. Adelaide United ultimately suffered a 3–0 defeat. [26] [27]

As the 2022–23 A-League season approached, Gauci played a significant role in the Australia Cup quarter-final match against his former club, Adelaide City, on 17 August. Adelaide United emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, prevailing 4–1 after the scores were level at 2–2 at the end of extra time. Gauci made two crucial saves in the shootout, denying Jai King-Byrne and Zak Waters of Adelaide City before Ben Halloran's successful spot kick sealed Adelaide United's progression to the Round of 16. [28]

During the league season, Gauci made his 50th appearance for Adelaide United in a 2–1 league victory against Brisbane Roar on 4 February 2023. [29] Additionally, he celebrated his 50th A-League appearance on 26 February in another 1–1 Original Rivalry draw against Melbourne Victory. [30] On 13 April, Gauci signed a three-year contract extension. [31] In the A-League Finals series, Gauci played a pivotal role in Adelaide United's 2–0 win over Wellington Phoenix on 5 May. [32] This victory marked the end of his 13-game streak without a clean sheet, [33] with his previous clean sheet coming on 20 January in a Man of the match display against Macarthur FC in a 1–0 victory. [34]

Aston Villa

On 1 February 2024, Gauci signed for English Premier League club Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee. [35] The fee was reported to be around $2.5m (around £1.29m). It was confirmed that the player would join up with his new club after the end of Australia's involvement in the ongoing Asian Cup. [36] Gauci was on the bench for the February 2024 game against Nottingham Forest. [37]

International career

In March 2022, Joe Gauci received his first call-up to the Australia national team as a train-on player for the first week of camp, in preparation for the World Cup qualification matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia. [38]

Building upon his initial involvement, in March 2023, Gauci received his first official call-up to the Australia national team ahead of two friendly matches against Ecuador. [39] During the second friendly match on 28 March, Gauci earned his first international appearance, starting in Australia's 2–1 defeat at Marvel Stadium. [40] [41] His performance drew praise from the national team coach, Graham Arnold, who commended Gauci's outstanding debut, acknowledging his "exceptional" contributions despite the two goals conceded. [42]

On January 2024, Gauci was called up to the Australia National Team for the 2023 Asian Cup. [43]

Style of play

Joe Gauci's style of play has garnered praise and admiration from analysts and fans alike. With his exceptional handling, clever game awareness, and strong shot-stopping abilities, it has been reported that Gauci displayed the qualities of a top-tier international goalkeeper. [44] Paramount+ analyst Daniel McBreen highlighted the various facets of Gauci's game, noting that there are no apparent weaknesses in his repertoire. McBreen commended Gauci's proficiency with the ball at his feet, his commanding presence in aerial challenges, and his ability to make crucial reflex saves. In particular, he lauded Gauci's remarkable first save, diving to his right, as a testament to his phenomenal shot-stopping skills during a game against Macarthur. McBreen further praised Gauci's consistency and impact throughout the match. [45]

Gauci was given the moniker "Great Wall of Gauci," a nickname bestowed upon him by pundits and fans who recognised his immense talent and performances since his breakthrough season at Adelaide. [45]

Personal life

Joe Gauci was born on 4 July 2000 in Adelaide, Australia. At the age of four, his family made the move to Waiheke Island in New Zealand after his mother, Donna, was posted in a general manager role at SeaLink and where Gauci spent a significant part of his childhood. [46] [4]

Gauci, who has Maltese roots, spent most of his childhood on Waiheke Island in New Zealand before eventually returning to the city of his birth, Adelaide. Besides Australia, Gauci is eligible to represent New Zealand and European nation Malta at international level. [47] His brother, Jed, who is four years younger, plays for The Cove in SA State League 2. The two played against each other for the first time on 18 July 2023 where Adelaide United won 8–1. [48]

In April 2022, Gauci, acting as a representative of Adelaide United, became an ambassador for the Childhood Cancer Association (CCA) in supporting local children with cancer, and their families. [49] [50] To show his commitment and generosity, Gauci vowed to contribute a sum of $20 for every save he made throughout an entire season. As of May 2023, Gauci donated an amount of $1,920 to the association. [51]

Career statistics

Club

As of 30 December 2023 [52]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeague [lower-alpha 1] National cup [lower-alpha 2] League cupContinentalTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Central Coast Mariners 2018–19 A-League 0000——00
Melbourne City 2019–20 0000——00
Adelaide United 2020–21 10000——100
2021–22 22030——250
2022–23 29020——310
2023–24 10000——100
Total7105000—760
Aston Villa 2023–24 Premier League 0000—0000
Career total710500000760

International

As of 6 January 2024 [53]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Australia 202310
202410
Total20

Honours

Individual

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References

  1. ↑ "Latest updated Premier League squad lists for 2023/24". Premier League. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  2. 1 2 Joe Gauci at WorldFootball.net
  3. ↑ Includes Emperor's Cup, Belgian Cup & FA Cup
  4. 1 2 Greenwood, Rob (19 June 2018). "SA teenage goalkeeper Joe Gauci signs for A-League club Central Coast Mariners" . Adelaide Now. The Advertiser.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "House of Gauci: Joe's rise to the big time". Adelaide United. 9 November 2022.
  6. 1 2 "Amazing Socceroos story 'not many people know': 'I thought my career was over, aged 11'". KEEPUP. 13 April 2023.
  7. ↑ Daou, Amir (24 April 2021). "'I made one save and that was it': Gauci's remarkable journey to the A-League". The Football Sack.
  8. ↑ Greenwood, Rob (19 June 2018). "SA teenager gets A-League chance" . The West Australian . The Advertiser.
  9. ↑ "Keepers Confirmed: Pearce re-signs & Gauci gained". Central Coast Mariners. 19 June 2018.
  10. ↑ "Hiarej, Gameiro & Gauci depart Mariners". Central Coast Mariners. 21 May 2019.
  11. ↑ Barbaro, Michael (4 June 2019). "Goalkeeper Gauci signs with City!". Archived from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  12. ↑ Abbracciavento, Daniela; Rinaldo, Lucas (7 June 2019). "Adelaide City lures veteran Pellegrino out of retirement, recruits former Central Coast Mariner keeper Gauci" . Adelaide Now. The Advertiser.
  13. ↑ "Joe Gauci - Player Statistics". GameDay.
  14. ↑ "Melbourne City Bolsters Youth Ranks Offering Scholarships for the 2019/20 season to Talented Youngsters". Melbourne City. 9 September 2019.
  15. ↑ "City finalise 2019/20 Foxtel Y-League Squad". Melbourne City. 14 November 2019.
  16. ↑ "Reds sign Gauci ahead of 2020/21 Season". Adelaide United. 7 October 2020.
  17. ↑ "Reds jump into second after emphatic Victory triumph". Adelaide United. 13 March 2021.
  18. ↑ Monteverde, Marco (30 March 2021). "A-League: Goalkeeper Joe Gauci is making the most of his opportunity with Adelaide United". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire.
  19. ↑ "Reds sink Sydney for six straight wins!". Adelaide United. 28 March 2021.
  20. ↑ "Gauci reflects on save and discusses Reds' belief". Adelaide United. 30 March 2021.
  21. ↑ Gagliardi, Lee (28 March 2021). "New hero Gauci saves the day for Reds". 7NEWS.
  22. ↑ Migliaccio, Val (23 May 2021). "Adelaide United defeat Victory to close in on finals dream". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire.
  23. ↑ "Reds sign Gauci to two-year extension". Adelaide United. 25 May 2021.
  24. ↑ Hough, Andrew; Williams, Tim (1 January 2022). "Josh Cavallo, Mohamed Toure and Joe Gauci miss A-League clash with Wellington after testing positive for Covid-19" . Adelaide Now. The Advertiser.
  25. ↑ Pisani, Sacha (8 January 2022). "Melbourne Victory 1 vs Adelaide United 1". KEEPUP.
  26. ↑ D'Urbano, Nick (26 March 2022). "Central Coast Mariners 3 vs Adelaide United 0". KEEPUP.
  27. ↑ Filosi, Gianluca (26 March 2022). "What went right, what went wrong vs Central Coast Mariners". Adelaide United.
  28. ↑ Monteverde, Marco (17 August 2022). "Joe Gauci stands tall in penalty shootout as Adelaide United end Adelaide City's Australia Cup run". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire.
  29. ↑ Pisani, Sacha (4 February 2023). "Adelaide United 2 vs Brisbane Roar 1". KEEPUP.
  30. ↑ Pisani, Sacha (26 February 2023). "Melbourne Victory 1 vs Adelaide United 1". KEEPUP.
  31. ↑ "Gauci extends with Reds until 2026". Adelaide United. 12 April 2023.
  32. ↑ Pisani, Sacha (5 May 2023). "Adelaide United 2 vs Wellington Phoenix 0". KEEPUP.
  33. ↑ "A 'crazy scenario' involving Tony Popovic & NPL3 could swing A-Leagues Semi Final". KEEPUP. 8 May 2023.
  34. ↑ "'The Great Wall of Gauci': Is Adelaide's hero a Socceroo in waiting?". KEEPUP. 20 January 2023.
  35. ↑ "Aston Villa announce Joe Gauci signing". Aston Villa Football Club. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  36. ↑ "Goalkeeper Joe Gauci makes blockbuster Premier League move, joining Adelaide United exodus". ABC News. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  37. ↑ "Luiz double helps scintillating Villa beat Forest". BBC Sport.
  38. ↑ "Fresh faces & experienced Socceroos named as Australia gets set for Japan and Jeddah | Football Australia". Football Australia. 17 March 2022.
  39. ↑ "Gauci, Bos, O'Neill and Robertson react to maiden Subway Socceroos call-ups | Socceroos". Socceroos. 14 March 2023.
  40. ↑ "Australia 1-2 Ecuador (Mar 28, 2023) Game Analysis". ESPN. 28 March 2023.
  41. ↑ "Dream come true for new Socceroo, Gauci". Adelaide United. 29 March 2023.
  42. ↑ "'Outstanding' debutant's response to 'dress rehearsal' question shows Socceroos future is in safe hands". KEEPUP. 28 March 2023.
  43. ↑ "Subway Socceroos AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Squad Revealed". Socceroos. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  44. ↑ "Joe Gauci and family 'lost for words' following distinguished debut | Socceroos". Socceroos. 3 April 2023.
  45. 1 2 "'The Great Wall of Gauci': Is Adelaide's hero a Socceroo in waiting?". KEEPUP. 20 January 2023.
  46. ↑ Includes J. League Cup & EFL Cup
  47. ↑ "Australia's 'next young GK' can also play for two other nations: This conversation could decide his future". KEEPUP. 27 January 2023.
  48. ↑ "Gauci content with Cove contest". Adelaide United. 19 July 2023.
  49. ↑ Filosi, Gianluca (28 April 2022). "Gauci and McNamara proud CCA Ambassadors". Adelaide United.
  50. ↑ "Gauci pledge supports kids with cancer - Childhood Cancer Association". Childhood Cancer. 28 April 2022.
  51. ↑ "Gauci to donate $1,100 to Childhood Cancer Association". Adelaide United. 23 May 2023.
  52. ↑ "Austrlia - J.Gauci - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  53. ↑ "Joe Gauci". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  54. ↑ Larkin, Steve (29 May 2023). "City's Bos leads PFA A-League Men team of the season". Narromine News . Retrieved 29 May 2023.
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