When looking for an upcoming young star in version four of the A-League, it was hard to look further than Brisbane Roars’ attacking midfielder Mitch Nichols.
For a club hosting older statesmen such as Craig Moore, Danny Tiatto and Charlie Miller, Nichols added a spark to the Roar and set the league alight with his energy, skill, and late runs into the penalty area.
Having seen the opening rounds to the season completed, and Australia’s short-lived venture into the Youth World Cup, one has to ask: what has happened to the Roars prestigious talent?
The Roar attacker previously displayed class and initiative, and perhaps with more clinical finishing, could have delivered the version to underachieving Queensland team.
But the past, as Brisbane fans would testify, is quickly forgotten.
This season Nichols is a shadow of his former self. He often seems lethargic and has lacked the attacking impetus that was previously so impressive. Nichols has definitely failed to build upon his performance of the past season.
In a team with a long injury list and off-field turmoil, it is no wonder the Roar find themselves languishing outside the top six. Despite the run of poor results, there are positive signs for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Tommy Oar has, in recent weeks, taken over as Brisbane’s young starlet.
With Isaka Cernak building his reputation with each performance, Mitch Nichols could perhaps start finding himself on the bench. It does seem, however, with the potential that Nichols possesses, it will be hard for Postecoglou to leave his young star off the pitch for too long.
Brisbane is far from finished this season.
However, it is neither Craig Moore nor Charlie Miller who holds key to the Roar’s fortunes. If Postecoglou can help Nichols find his previous form, Brisbane is a very dangerous proposition.
The Bear
Guest
Someone in that CAM position really needs to step up. Miller or Nichols, either or, that is the turning point, imo. Jury is out on both.
Anthony Begbie
Roar Rookie
I would say Oar definately is a better prospect at this time than Zullo. Though i guess one question would be whether they both could play in the same team. I believe it was the match before sydney where Oar received the ball on the right and unleashed from outside the box. It was a fantastic bit of skill. Nichols actually is quite technically sound, though he just lacks motivation and enthusiasm this season. Last season his finishing was poor, but he always ran hard and got himself into really good positions. His passing was also at a higher standard. It will be interesting to see if Postecoglou helps Mitch rediscover his form.
cab711
Guest
Nice point, Oar is more the goods in my view. Kid has lots in his package, dribbling, shooting, passing and oodles of speed. Mitch just seems a little poor on all those same marks. All he has is a great engine but thats just cause hes young. If Oar gets more game time he will do great things. This will be a great for Zullo aswell adding some real competition for a 1st team spot or perhaps freeing Zullo to be used on the right?
whiskeymac
Guest
tommy oar and cernak are the ones likely to be the saviours, but wd not discount the influence of the elder statesmen either. mitch seems to have a woeful ability to miss the target. whats the point in getting into the position if you cantcapitalise on it - is it something that can be fixed with better coaching or is it just confidence? when is zullo back? was the loss of kruse important? i agree with the sentiment that the roar will be in the mix- they have a good squad.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Mitch reminds me a lot of Matty Simon (both the good and the bad). What do you mean by "what has happened to the Roars prestigious talent?" Anyone one who can be classified in a grouping alongside Simon is unlikely to be described as "prestigious".
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
I remember he was on the bench for a while and then miller got suspended and he was back in the starting line up…… and put in a dog of a performance. I missed the game on Sunday so I hope Realfootball is right because I really thought Mitch would be a big player for Brisbane this year.
Realfootball
Guest
Nichols was his old self against Sydney, reinforcing the questionmarks over Farina's coaching and selection policy. The omens are good for the Roar. As Alex Brosque said in the post match interview, they will be in the mix at finals time. Farina was a very conservative coach. He was lauded for promoting young players, but he has only ever done so when faced by injury. Apart from that his coaching has been marked by inflexibility and a preference for experience over talent.