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Back in the day, when people still wore flowers in their hair, Gil Scott Heron announced the “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. Fast forward to the present and there is an imminent youth revolution about to sweep the A-League.
This one, as long as you can afford it, will be televised.
It will be led by players like Matthew Leckie and Mustafa Amini. Young players who are ready to leave their mark on the A-League this season.
However, it will be A-League debutants, Melbourne Heart, that will be at the vanguard of this revolution.
Yesterday, the FFA announced the squad for the next week’s AFF U/19 Youth Championship in Vietnam. Four of Heart’s youngsters were selected.
Eli Babalj looks a great prospect. A tall, rangy striker with great feet. Babalj, 18, reminds me of a skinnier version of Mark Viduka. Kamal Ibrahim, 17, is an attacking midfielder who likes taking on defenders and cutting in from the left to strike on goal.
On the defensive side, Brendan Hamill, 17, possesses a maturity and composure beyond his young years. Kliment Taseski, 19, is highly regarded, dynamic midfielder.
It is important to note that Heart do not have a youth squad this season. The youngsters they have recruited are expected to compete for senior places.
John van ‘t Schip said the following yesterday.
“Developing the next generation of Australian footballers and providing a pathway to the world’s top leagues is an important aspect of the Melbourne Heart FC philosophy. While the Club is focused on the now, we also must respect that we have a responsibility to look at the future and promote players who will one day be capable of representing the Socceroos.”
Has Melbourne Heart provided the A-League with a template for on-field and off-field success?
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