In the aftermath of Australia’s second consecutive 6-0 loss earlier this month, Lucas Neill questioned the “hunger and desire” of some of the Socceroos’ up and coming talents.
Initially, the validity of Neill’s comments was questioned by many, as he appeared to be shifting the blame away from himself as centre back and captain of the side.
However, in light of recent comments from Perth Glory and Australian defender Michael Thwaite, it now appears Neill raised an interesting point, although the target for his criticism could’ve been a little more narrow.
After Perth signed international journeyman William Gallas, Thwaite is quoted as expressing, “It’s a player’s dream to play alongside a guy that’s been at two World Cups and won two European Championships and played at the bigger clubs in the world.”
Michael Thwaite isn’t a national team regular by any stretch of the imagination. But he’s only 30 and could potentially be called upon for Brazil 2014 and quite possibly Russia 2018.
To suggest he dreams of playing alongside a guy who has played in two World Cups and at the biggest clubs in the world shows a lack of desire; from Michael Thwaite at least.
Ask any aspiring young footballer what they dream of and I guarantee they’d like to play in World Cups, if not win them, such is the ambition of youngsters globally.
With the appointment of Ange Postecoglou recently, every place is up for grabs in the Socceroos XI for the friendly against Costa Rica in Sydney next month.
The ‘hunger and desire’ of the entire Socceroos squad will be tested as they aim to perform for their clubs so they can factor in Ange’s first national squad.
Australian footballers all around the world – from Mile Jedinak in London to Terry Antonis in Sydney – will be aware it’s a new beginning for the national side and they will want their club performances to reflect that.
Hopefully not all Australian footballers share the same aspirations as Michael Thwaite.
Hopefully, it’s not just Australia’s future professionals who dream of playing in World Cups, but the current ones as well.
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