Terry Antonis is staying with Sydney FC until the end of the 2012-2013 season, a decision that’s good news for both the A-League and the promising footballer.
There’s little dispute that Antonis is one of the most talented young players we have in this country. Feted as a 10-year old kid, Antonis had been wrapped by the likes of Alex Tobin and Frank Farina.
He came through the Marconi FC ranks and was the third youngest player to debut in the A-League. At 14 he had a five-year deal signed with Everton but it was canned because of FIFA regulations surrounding the transfers of played aged under 18.
The western Sydney product has been playing against bigger and old opponents his whole career – in the A-League and in several junior Australian rep teams.
I interviewed Antonis last year and he struck me as a shy and quiet individual, but one who is completely dedicated to football. It is his whole life and has been for many years. He grew up idolizing Zinedine Zidane and aspires to play for Everton like his good mate Tim Cahill.
You wouldn’t bet against it one day as Antonis has the burning ambition and talent to make that happen. He’s quickly made a name for himself in the A-League, at one of the competition’s biggest clubs, and rarely seems overawed by his surroundings.
Stefan Kamasz, Sydney FC’s Head of Football, is positive Antonis is a future Socceroo while his Marconi juniors coach describes him as a natural.
The talented midfielder has just turned 18, meaning he is now fresh bait for hungry overseas clubs. Rumored suitors range from Milan and Liverpool.
But Antonis has made the call to stay with Sydney FC until the end of his three-contract, which finishes at early 2013. And it’s the right one.
He’ll only be 19 by then, but another season and a half in the A-League should serve him well. It will allow his body to grow and develop, time to mature and give him more regular playing action. He can also learn off the likes of Brett Emerton, Nicky Carle and Karol Kisel who have experience playing overseas.
At Sydney FC you can see him being a regular selection in the Sky Blues midfield. If he moved to Liverpool or Milan in January he would more often than not languish in the reserves or on the training ground, while his game stagnates somewhat.
He is a better option to stay in Australia now, continue his development and have a real crack at a European club in a year and a bit’s time. By staying in his hometown he’s also more likely to win a cap for the Socceroos in the lead up to the 2014 World Cup, which is one of his goals, to make that tournament.
The Olympics next year, if the Olyroos make it, is another option.
The fans are the other beneficiary of Antonis’ decision. Football supporters want to see our young players do well, both at home and abroad, but the A-League is hardly bursting with exciting and outstanding talent. It is nice to have one best still fly the flag at home.
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