Persistence pays off for Roar's Brattan

Thank you for your kind words Chopper,can you tell me where I said ,that you said. Brattan was a great player. I don't recollect saying that and can't find it in in my replies to you Your point 1 is correct,every player has flaws but does that stop him working on that weakness to reduce the effects that flaw may cause? Your point 2 is correct speed is not everything but remember, this lad is playing at a standard of football way below where he possibly could play.so again an increase in speed can only benefit the boy if he really wants to progress to the top level. He is young enough and that is in his favour when it comes to still improving. I'll repeat myself .I did not criticise the player, merely pointed out to fellow commenter Towser, 2 aspects of his game where I thought he could improve (that's being the key word) and it was said with only the lad's future in mind. By the way the essence of good debate is when 2 people with differing views discuss rationally an aspect of something. I couldn't care less what you personally think of my opinion for there are more than a few people on this site I can debate subjects with and not cause offence. OK????? jb

jb - I don't need you to put words in my mouth as I never said that Brattan was great I merely pointed out that 1) every player has flaws. 2 ) speed is not everything when you have the ability to get to the ball. I did say that we can be too critical of players in our own backyard and surely pointing out two flaws is being critical. I think you need to get a grip of your own ego because you are not the only person with a view or opinion on players and you tend to be condescending to anyone that may question your viewpoint. Others too have played the game and administered the game.

Chopper- How do you get the impression I am criticising Brattan.?I am simply pointing out 2 areas where his game can be improved.You appear to think he is as ready as he ever will be to play with the likes of Manchester City.That's where you and I appear to differentiate. I watch a player with the eye on how he can improve provided that improvement can be achieved with some education and hard work. If that is being critical then so be it.I hope the lad looks at that sort of advice with less than a jaundiced eye.and thinks on what I have said.To me that is much more helpful than telling any young lad is a great player.The danger when you do that is that they may believe you. jb

jb show me a player wthout a flaw. And yes speed is important but so is the ability to read the game and to have the steel to win those 50/50 balls. There are many components to make up a good footballer and I think sometimes one can get too critical especially about the players in our own backyard. We can be critical of even the better players that have worn the Green and Gold ie. Harry Kewell some say "great player but injury prone" others might say " If he only had a bit more grit ". Perhaps we should be celebrating their qualities rather than being so so critical. Harry Kewell has just retired as a Great Australian player lets support those who will take their place.

Chopper- I never said speed is everything but in any football player it can become a necessity if progress is to be made in the game,ie the ability to get forward and more importantly in your scenario,to get back should things break down.Watch the lad carefully,he does get caught on the wrong side of the ball on more than one occasion during a game,but more importantly it is a flaw,that with proper coaching and hard work can be eliminated.That is what i'd like to see done.jb

Just one point jb. Brattan has the ability to get to the ball when he needs to. Speed isn't everything in a defensive midfielder.

Broich played for the Germany national youth team without having Australian citizenship (ie: dual citizenship) so he cannot ever play for Australia even if he never played in the German mens team. Similar scenario to Adama Traoré of Melbourne Victory - without an Australian passport at the time of taking to the field for another country's youth team, you cannot (at this point) play for Australia.

I've heard rumours Broich may, i stress, may want Aussie citizenship. But that's what has to happen first before any talking about playing for Australia. And he'd be 33 or 34 as well. ignoring his brilliance of course.

Towser -Whilst Brattan's attitude to others is commendable, I have been watching his progress very carefuly these last 2 seasons and there is little doubt he has that "something" about his play that does draw attention. However I have a few worries about him, for at 24 he has probably developed physically as much as he will but he still lacks that essential burst of pace that separates great midfielders from the others,He also has an almost annoying habit of fouling opponents just outside his own penalty box, twice on Saturday when drawing 0-0.These 2 minor flaws in his make up can and should be eliminated as soon as possible if the lad is to progress into international football for at the higher level pace and discipline are essentials if success is to be achieved,Let us hope it can be done asap. jb

Doc Sorry with repeat message.jb

Doc - Forget "youth "levels. Look up Alfredo De Stefano and Ferenc Puskas,two of football's greats. De Stefano actually played,at full international level,for 3 countries,Argentine,Colombia, and Spain while Puskas played for Hungary and Spain.jb

Doc . never mind the "youth angle" try looking up such noted greats as De Stefano and Puskas.De Stefano actually played for 3 countries at "full "level,Argentine ,Colombia and Spain while Puskas played with 2, Hungary and Spain.jb

Broich had 7 caps for Germany U-21 side and 2 caps for Germany B ('Team 2006'). Research indicates that Germany B games are not recognised as full internationals, and would thus not disqualify him. Many players have represented one country at youth level and another at senior level.

Since TB played for Germany U23(?) and was not eligible for Australia at time, doesn't that mean he cannot play for Australia? Agree that he would prefer to play guitar.

Forget Brattan...Thomas Broich will be eligible to play for Australia as of May next year if he wants to. I'm sure he would rather play his guitar or read a book though.

Brattan for the world cup.

Much to like about Brattan/Paartalu- something missing from the SFC mix for quite a few seasons. Milligan was in the mix but Krulled by lavicka hanging around one season too many. Hopefully FF doesn't hang around for another season.

Tough one JohnL,one player with the attributes of both players would definitely be on the plane to Brazil.

So, should both be on the plane to Brazil? Milligan is probably a better ball winner than Brattan, and Brattan is a better distributor and with his shot, dangerous from about 25 metres out.

Both played well in fact hard to find a poor player on the park,however like all Roar fans I've watched Brattan grow as a player all round and still continues to do so. Milligan is as good as he'll get being four years older.