Sydney FC’s acquisition of Lucas Neill is a signing that may not only alter the complexion of the current A-League season, but also the future of the Socceroos and the captain’s place in the national team.
Neill is one of only a few to have returned to the A-League during periods when they have been consistently in the Socceroos picture. Craig Moore did it. Jason Culina as well. Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton also.
Notice the trend? None of them are there now.
Although some may put this down to a league that is of a sub-standard and lacks week-to-week competitiveness, I believe that this is the not the case.
It is in fact the contrary; a product of a Socceroos star dwindling in the face of adversity, and being unable to cope with being the centre of attention.
The Australian public is unforgiving. If a Socceroo is signed, we expect Socceroos standards.
We also refuse to accept Socceroos’ selection for those who do not perform in our national league.
This is a complete contrast to Neill’s relative obscurity when playing in the UAE, far-removed from the watching eye of the Australian public.
Most did not even know that he was playing for Al Wasl (yes, I had to Google it to double check). His performances were unchecked and his selection was merely tolerated.
This will not occur when Neill plays in the A-League.
Is this a positive for the Socceroos? Should someone of Neill’s stature be constantly watched and criticised in the public eye?
I believe he should. We want the best team playing in 2014 and the only way to truly understand who is the best is through a method of constant scrutiny and comparison.
Think about it, Neill is in the twilight of his playing career having just come off contract with Al Wasl… hardly a football heaven.
His Socceroos performances have been sub-standard and the team is suffering as a consequence. Yet no questions have been put forward about his Socceroos selection as he has remained in the shadows, removed from scrutiny.
Compare this with the likes of Jason Davidson and Rhys Williams, who are young and are playing for bigger clubs in top European leagues, yet remain on the periphery of Socceroos selection.
Even compare Neill to the likes of Trent Sainsbury and Mark Milligan, who have put together brilliant displays in the forefront of the public eye while playing in the A-League.
Against Melbourne Heart this Sunday, there will be a crowd of hopefully over 20,000 and everyone will be watching.
So when Neill makes his debut in the A-League this Sunday, he should be reminded that his performances will not be overlooked.
He will be scrutinised and his Socceroos selection will now always be questioned, as will others returning home and expecting national representation.
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