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.
Jukes
Guest
Lucas Neill has been a terrific servant for Australia as have other players of the 2006 generation. Maybe my idea of what should have happened after the last world cup is different to other people and thats fair enough. If I was picking the side for the WC qualifiers maybe 1 or 2 players at most would be left from that era and Lucas Neill wouldnt be a part of it. I am not saying he isnt a decent enough player but we should have regenerated this side for the betterment of our National team. Right now because we havent tested new players or blooded the new talent we are left with little options and Lucas Neill is still being considered. I think his days are well and truly numbered. From going to a good league like the EPL to UAE. Then changing clubs in the UAE and then not being able to make his UAE side should tell you something. He has been on the slide and that has been going on for a while. We will really get to see how well he can organise a Sydney Team which lets face it, is still defensively fragile. If Lucas can adapt quickly, which he needs to and can organise the defence so they dont leak goals then he is halfway to winning the battle. My feeling is, he will be surprised by the quality and the pace of the game in the A-league and will struggle to make an impact. I like everyone will just have to wait and see. If he can keep up with David Williams this weekend........I wish him luck, he is going to need it.
Frank Bellissimo
Guest
Lucas Neil needs the exposure in a fast paced and much improved A League in his club of choice and his performance will be revitalised. He has too much at stake. Playing alongside legends like Alessandro Del Piero and pentup energy in the return of Joel Griffiths will also lift the entire team another notch. Neil played with fellow Socceroo Brett Emerton for a number of years so they know each other's style very well and this will bring familiarity and good flow to Sydney, and this should also provide great motovation to players on the pitch including Emmo. Well that's the theory, let's hope they put it into oractice. The magic can crystallise as soon as this Sunday's match against a tough and ruthless Heart, setting the stage for a ripper of a game.
Jack
Guest
I couldn't agree more if Neil is good enough we will see it now. Personally I have a feeli g he will be severely exposed, Brett emerton would have to be the prime exAmple he would be a long odds to play in Brazil. The reason it's Clear we have better options but this can not Be seen as a bad thing