Much has been made about the return of 21-year-old Tomas Rogic to the A-League. His loan move to league heavyweights Melbourne Victory made for often one-sided discussion about how the kid will be the creative force behind the Socceroos’ future.
But this seems like overkill, as the Griffith born number 10 has less than 50 senior competitive games under his belt and, despite his obvious raw talent, he may not be ready for the burner of this year’s World Cup.
In the years to come, I have little doubt the former Central Coast Mariner will play a significant role in the Socceroos make up but for now Ange Postecoglou would be taking a huge risk playing such an inexperienced player up against the likes of Chile, the Netherlands and Spain.
If Rogic was to play, especially against Spain, he would most likely have very few touches of the ball, something a number 10 craves, to feel as if he is in the game.
The pressure would be immense and a poor game or even three poor games by Tommy Rogic could see him cast into the international wilderness, something no Socceroo fan wants to see.
So the alternatives.
Obviously if Ange decides not to play with an attacking midfielder then there won’t be an issue here but that would be very unlike the former A-League super coach.
The bandwagon has slowly been gaining pace for Melbourne Heart captain, Harry Kewell, to be on the plane to Brazil.
His form since returning for the Heart has been exceptional. It is no coincidence the Heart’s first win of the season came when the 35-year-old completed his first 90 minutes of the season.
Harry Kewell made a name for himself on the wing back in the late 1990s for Leeds United and has gone on to have a phenomenal career.
He often struggled with injuries, still does, but he has played in many high pressure matches during his time at Leeds, Liverpool and Galatasaray.
Less than two years ago Harry ‘Cool’ Kewell was named the greatest Socceroo ever and even though that is still up for debate, in his 56 caps for the Socceroos, he has inspired millions with his exceptional footballing brain.
While the pace has slowly left his ageing legs, there is no doubt Australia’s golden boy still has the ability to create opportunities for the players around him.
He has been in the pressure cooker before. He knows even if he doesn’t get his feet on the ball early, the chance will come.
When the chance comes, my money will be on the Heart captain of nearly 700 professional appearances to put the chance to good use.
Football isn’t a game for the sentimental but it must be said that Harry Kewell running out for the green and gold for one last World Cup would be inspiring.
Kewell would not only add a creative spark to the team, he would provide experience to a potentially very youthful squad.
If currently clubless Lucas Neill was not to make the squad it also leaves open the possibility of a captaining return for Kewell.
Don’t get me wrong, Tom Rogic could very well become a fantastic player. Even though Celtic are not the giants they once were, they do not just waste their money on players who are not up to the mark.
The time will come for Rogic and I hope he is included in the squad and given some game time in Brazil, but the pressure needs to be put on hold for now.
The Asian Cup early next year will serve as a better springboard for Rogic’s international career.
Come on Australia, jump on the Harry Kewell bandwagon, for the Socceroos sake.
sean
Guest
from what I have seen of Rogic , he doesn't impress me greatly ..there is an old adage that if you are good enough you are old enough ,should not the same apply to an older player who obviously has skills that surpass even now many of the younger players..kewell is a must for second half cameos..
Adam
Guest
We also don't need to send out a future XI that gets towelled up 4-0 each match
Adam
Guest
Not informed but throwing a comment in anyway...
Adam
Guest
Nothing short of two plane crashes will get Australia through to the round of 16
Cam Mann
Roar Rookie
The Golden Age of Australian Football with Kewell, Neil, Viduka et all had to prove themselves in a trial by fire against the worlds best. There was no sentiment with them and not a lot of players that had been under the watchful eye of the world. If these guys are up to the task they'll be better for this experience. To be honest are we expecting much out of Brazil? It will be a train wreck with the options available. They need this exposure to assult Qatar.
sean
Guest
you said ,not informed !
Holy Mozez
Guest
Time to stop living in the past. If the socceroos are ever going to move forward it's time for fresh legs. Forget Harry Kewell he has had his time. Bring on the new breed.
Berah
Guest
Clearly Rogic should be in while Kewell out.
apaway
Roar Guru
There is no way Tom Rogic will be left out of the Socceroos World Cup squad, barring injury. And with a trend towards a 4-1-4-1 system lately, which can easily become 4-2-3-1, both Kewell and Rogic could be accommodated in a starting 11. Kewell has a way to go to prove himself worthy of selection but he is on the way. Ange never picks on reputation alone but a left-right combination sitting behind the Number 9 could be really effective. Of course, that could also be achieved with James Troisi and - if he emerges from the folly of playing in the Middle East and finds some form - Brett Holman.
marcel
Guest
I haven't studied Kewell's form... so this isn't an informed opinion... but as a casual observer it seems that for some years now the most memorable part of his game has been his constant whingeing to the ref after he has been muscled off the ball by opposing defenders.
Bogga
Guest
I don't think you have to choose between either. There seems to be a lot of talk of giving up this tournament, which is precisely what we shouldn't be doing. It's no good giving starts to a whole bunch of youngsters if none of them have the experience to get the ball at their feet. Better off losing 2-0 and having 40% possession with a sprinkling of youngsters than losing 4-0 with 25% possession and 11 youngsters. If we play all our youngsters, promising as they may be, against Spain, their second string wouldn't let us get the ball, let alone if they're playing for goal difference to get to the next stage. Those 3 teams will all be looking at Oz as Goal difference. Apart from us, it's a tough group to qualify from, very dangerous for a team like Spain. They'll go for the throat, not for a 2-0 comfortable victory. To counter that, and have a chance of winning, we'll need a lot of experience on the pitch, mixed with a handful of youngsters. These young guys can then get experience in the Asia Cup at home next year. Jedinak, Bresciano, Neill, Kewell, all have experience those young guys will need around them on the park when Spain spend the first 10 minutes without giving us a sniff of the ball.
Jorji Costava
Guest
All well and good. But what if we don't qualify again for 30 years. We want to put our best foot forward at this Cup, not wait for whenever. Personally, I have very little interest in the Asian Cup. If we make the end of it, I'll tune in. But the rest is 3rd rate dwarf ball.
Swampy
Guest
Pick your best available squad and clearly Rogic and Kewell are in it. Plus they would play different positions. I see Kewell as a versatile handyman, capable of filling in at a number of positions. I like him most as a back to the goal striker, holding up the ball. That is something we haven't had since big Dukes. As we'll be largely camped on our 6 yard line for the majority of the WC, a striker who can hold the ball for the counter will be vitally important. As for the poster who claims Kewell not having the strength on ball anymore, well, your eyes clearly do not watch matches properly - Kewell is stronger than ever and is exceptionally good at holding on to the ball. In reality both players may come off the bench offering completely different gameplay. Both should go. Time for youth is the 2 years after the World Cup - not during it. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
eric1
Guest
I don't know if it will be case of one or the other.We will probably get smashed in all 3 WC games,Harry won't change that,nor will he be there for the Asian Cup.At least Rogic can get some valuable experience in Brazil .
Haz
Guest
This is true, but wouldn't you want to have an X-Factor like Kewell coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes of a game? That's a luxury Ange could use.
Nathan
Guest
Almost spat my drink out when I read the title. My alternative would be to bring both, but there is no way Rogic will be left to stay at home, especially if it's because Kewell is the man who took his sppt
peter
Guest
Both Kewell and Rogic should go , however I would not pick lucas neill in the top 56 that have a chance
jack
Guest
IF kewel gets picked its somehting for him not the long term good of the team
Fletch
Guest
Kewell is building a strong case to be included for Brazil. The razzle dazzle has faded, along a yard or two of pace, but the work ethic and vision is still world class. At the beginning of the current A-League season I was convinced that Harry was washed-up. I now freely admit that I was wrong. With each passing week it is becoming harder and harder to deny that Kewell still has a lot to offer the Socceroos.
richard
Guest
That article is typical of the small minded thinking that has held football back in this country for years. I could not disagree more, in fact we should blood more youngsters.