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The controversy surrounding the exclusion of Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite from the Olyroos squad for the Beijing Olympics is slowly simmering. So now we can finally concentrate on the football.
For the last few weeks, Olyroo’s coach Graham Arnold has been battered from pillar to post over his decision to exclude the exciting youngsters. Despite the backlash, Arnold has stood firm. He needs to. The Australian media are quick to jump on those most vulnerable.
Though history shows they tend to back off on those who stand tall.
The decision to omit the former Adelaide duo was a good one.
Burns and Djite are this country’s future stars. Should their current development continue, they could, one-day, lead the frontline for the Socceroos.
However, despite the players having an abundance of potential, they both lack the consistency to perform in a massive, global tournament such as the Olympic Games.
In Burns’ case, his move to AEK Athens should see his potential develop into a consistent, far superior player, than the inconsistent forward we see today.
His form at U-23 level does not warrant selection, and the statistics show it: one goal in eleven appearances does not constitute selection in a knockout Olympic tournament.
Former coach Aurelio Vidmar, who saw Burn’s development first-hand, agrees he needs to get more consistent. There have been occasions where Burns has been in brilliant form in some games, but in other games he has gone missing for long periods.
Is this what the Olyroos need at the Olympics? It’s debatable.
Following Adelaide’s AFC Champions League match versus Binh Duong, Vidmar said of Burns’ performance, “the three assists he made are the sort of things he is capable of. That (ten minute) show he gave that unlocked the game for us was brilliant. But he needs to do that at a more consistent level.”
At such a young age, he is going to find this an issue.
“That’s the problem you can have with young kids. And he’ll only get that (consistency) when he’s 23, 24 or 25.” Vidmar explained.
Burn’s move to a European club should accelerate this maturing.
At this point of his career, he is not developed enough to produce at Olympic level and the constant harassment and attention on his age will affect him and his mindset.
Olyroo counterparts, Argentina, have followed a similar path to the Olyroos.
Coach Sergio Batista’s decision to leave Mauro Zárate out of the National squad raised debate. His goals for Birmingham City in the EPL last season demonstrated the potential at his feet.
However, goals in the EPL did not warrant selection.
Indeed it was the exclusion of Anderlect and Argentinean rising star, Lucas Biglia, that caused most anxiety amongst fans and local media.
Biglia’s omission came at the inclusion of Juan Román Riquelme, whose selection was brought on by a number of factors including how tournament football is regarded in Argentina.
They want to win at all costs. Even at the expense of young prodigies.
The Australian media have failed to understand the decision by Arnold to exclude Burns and Djite.
However, there are circles within the football community who believe that in order for Australia progress, proven goalscorers should be selected amongst front forwards with potential
Arnold made a tough decision, but a good one.
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