The Villa Effect?

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Just under 44,000 crammed into Etihad Stadium to witness what has been described the best Melbourne Derby ever.

The match itself was incredible. A hotly contested first half, and a comeback of epic proportions.

The hype in the lead up to that game however played just as crucial a role in the derby's success, as it always does, fueling the electric atmosphere of both Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart City fans.

That profound atmosphere was in part driven by one player - David Villa.

Prior to the Derby, Villa boasted a perfect A-League record of 2 goals from 2 games, saving City from defeat.

Two bumper crowds flocked to see the Spanish superstar, over 20,000 in Sydney and over 15,000 in what is now City's largest ever non-derby home attendance.

Melbourne City can also boast record membership numbers (having just eclipsed 10,000) and unprecedented Media coverage.

David Villa has left an impression on Australian football, but to what extent has Australian football left an impression on Villa?

For all the crowds, media and goals - despite their significance in Australia - are relatively trivial for Spain's all time top scorer, (lets be honest now) as expected.

Last night's derby though was something different. Save the A-League Grand final, the Melbourne Derby is Australian football's showpiece event.

The hype, the atmosphere and the match itself far exceeded all expectations - especially considering the previous two seasons' opening derby results.

Yes this Melbourne Derby was one match all Australian football fans can take pride in, one that lets fans pump their chest and proclaim to world football how far we've come.

After playing in the La Liga, Champions League and World Cup against the world's biggest players and clubs however what does a player of David Villa's caliber do after a game like that? What do they think?

Countless superstars have come to Australia and left with high regards of our game but Villa is different. He is a player after all who isn't looking to retirement but who can (arguably) play for any club in the world.

However for all the accolades and reputation fans left speaking of another striker, namely Besart Berisha and Villa's effect was nullified by a lack-luster City midfield failing to supply their superstar.

Even superstars can lose, for after all, football is a team game. Does a loss like that in the Derby drive Villa or is it simply another game in an unconventional off season?

As Villa soon leaves for the MLS he won't experience another Melbourne Derby and despite all of the money and superstars the league has at its disposal their is a passion and community around Australian football I personally have not seen in countless highlights and matches in America's premier soccer league.

I'd like to think as Villa moves onto a new phase in his career he will grow to appreciate the atmosphere at last night's derby. A unique atmosphere characterised by cathartic release - given Australian football's turbulent past.

Many players appear to grow numb to the crowds, the atmosphere and the energy of being a professional footballer.

I hope David Villa isn't one of them.

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