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We’ve learnt quite a lot from A-League clubs’ selection of marquee players over the last nine years. Think Dwight Yorke, Robbie Fowler, Alessandro Del Piero and Thomas Broich. Now think Mario Jardel, Romario and Benito Carbone.
It’s fair to say that by now clubs have a good idea of what it takes for a marquee player to succeed, and ultimately provide sufficient return for the outrageous sums forked out for them.
Of last season’s three big international signings, Shinji Ono and Alessandro Del Piero have been far more fruitful than Emile Heskey. The Englishman has by no means been a flop but his greatest asset has been his role in the dressing room, rather than playing prowess and getting bums on seats.
Ono’s home farewell match against Brisbane Roar at Pirtek Stadium a week back was sufficient evidence that he has quickly become a cult figure in western Sydney, aided significantly by his skill on the pitch given there were many sceptics prior to his arrival in Parramatta.
Del Piero proved again this season that he is more than a marketing tool for Sydney FC – especially given the publicity stunts have subsided significantly.
The two are ideal marquee players. A triple threat of sorts: making an impact on the field, working to promote the club and interact with fans, and providing a positive influence in the dressing room.
It’s a model many clubs will have to follow in the off-season as marquee players move on or enter questionable territory.
There are few late-career superstars who can remain relevant in the A-League if they are not firing on all cylinders. Considering the cash sometimes thrown at prized recruits, clubs can ill afford to drop the ball and must adopt a ruthless approach with their marquees.
Perhaps it treats the player as a commodity, but this is business.
Ono publicly stated he would have stayed on with the Wanderers if he were offered a contract extension – presumably two years or more – a sign that the 2012/13 premiers are determined to refresh their marquee approach.
As attractive as some veterans are initially, it’s easy for star power to wane. Those marquees that have been most successful have been able to stay relevant and cover their playing ability with off-field presence and vice versa.
William Gallas has hardly set the league alight and it begs the question of whether he has enough pull with the fans to cover his sometimes mediocre performances.
Brisbane Roar are currently at the forefront of the marquee shopping window as they look to find a replacement for Melbourne Victory-bound Besart Berisha. German Mike Hanke has been touted as the number one target, but the field remains wide open, including two strikers reportedly in the league of Alessandro Del Piero.
Del Piero should be the mark by which all future marquee signings are judged. It’s fine for clubs to sign a relatively unknown overseas player with exceptional talent, but these players must be expected to change the culture and direction of their side, a la Alessandro Del Piero.
This isn’t a Del Piero love-fest, but A-League clubs could do worse than to be selective in the winter and focus on securing the incredibly valuable triple-threat marquee.
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