Depending on who you ask, Brisbane Roar’s German import Thomas Broich is finally looking like his old self again – or tapping into true greatness.
Either way, the portents are good for the Roar ahead of Thursday night’s crunch A-League season finale against Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium.
Broich earned comparisons with Manchester United great Bobby Charlton from a gushing Roar coach Mike Mulvey after his 25m wonder strike set up Brisbane’s 2-0 win on Sunday that knocked Melbourne Heart out of the finals hunt.
But the Roar will simply be satisfied if Broich resembles the midfielder who helped steer them to back-to-back championships as they look to seal a top six berth on Thursday night.
“Thomas’ goal – wow,” Mulvey said.
“It reminded me of my boyhood hero Bobby Charlton.
“The ball tore into the back of the net – it was a fantastic finish.”
Even broken Heart coach John Aloisi had to dip his hat.
“Thomas Broich is looking like his old self again. That’s always a good sign for them,” he said.
Roar veteran Shane Stefanutto said he had sensed something special was coming.
“John (Aloisi) is a good judge – Thomas did play brilliantly the other night,” he told AAP.
“But his last month he has been very consistent.
“No doubt he is an important player for us, an excellent import.
“Now he’s in good form and when he is that is a good thing for us.”
In another ominous sign for Sydney FC, the Johnny Warren Medallist also broke his goal-scoring drought against the Heart.
It marked his first since round two – 24 matches ago.
As excited as he was by the return of Broich’s magic touch, Stefanutto said the whole team had set the standard that was required to clinch a top six spot in their first-half assault on the hapless Heart.
Now they just have to replicate it against the Alessandro Del Piero-inspired Sydney FC, who only trail fifth-placed Brisbane on goal difference.
“But that’s easier said than done,” Stefanutto said.
“Putting together a 90-minute performance like that first half will be quite difficult actually.
“But nothing worth earning is easy.
“And no doubt Sydney FC will be motivated.
“But our destiny is in our hands. It is still a great to finish the regular season for us.”
tk
Guest
I agree he needs to get out of second gear. At the moment he reminds me of a bright orange clydsedale. That was a cracking shot he had though Towser - so when it hit.nded like it cracked the post.
Mahler
Guest
Nijland, for a young bloke, is VERY SLOW...In fact, about the slowest player in the A-League. He sort of ambles around the paddock at a leisurely gate and when asked for speed is totally unable to provide it. We can forgive Del Piero for being a bit slow on the turn but a youngster like Njiland needs to sharpen up and work hard on this aspect of his game.
Towser
Guest
tk Yes it continues to be Roar's Achilles heel.popping the ball into the net,still some sort of "walking the ball into the net" mentality lingering there. Mulvey is aware of it has said so, but good to see Broich have a crack & be succesful. Nijland has had a go too ,but for me needs to be a bit more dynamic if he wants to make his mark in the A-League.
tk
Guest
Good to see Broich coming back. I still wasn't that impressed with the roars performance on sunday afternoon. It took penalty and a wonderstrike to defeat a very poor heart team. We still have enormous trouble breaking teams down to score goals despite overwhelming possession. The Broich goal looked almost like he decided to cut loose and have a crack because nothing else they were doing was getting the goals from open play. They may have taken their foot off the gas a bit deliberately but that second half was pretty uninspiring for the majority of the 45.
Towser
Guest
As a fan glad to see Thomas back,,dont know where he went, but he's back. When on song adds that unexpected edge to to the Roar. All teams need this sort of player,fans luv em.