‘El Gráfico’ was a hugely influential Argentinian monthly sports journal with a naturally heavy emphasis on football.
In 1928 its editor, Borocoto, published an eerily prescient article that described the “pibe” – a mythical player who he believed to be the ultimate distillation of what an Argentine footballer should look like, and how they should approach the game:
“… a dirty face, a mane of hair rebelling against the comb; with intelligent, roving, trickster and persuasive eyes and a sparkling gaze that seems to hint at a picaresque laugh that does not quite manage to form on his mouth, full of small teeth that might be worn down through eating yesterday’s bread.”
Borocoto of course was describing Diego Maradona some 32 years before Diego was even born.
In a funny way, Rhyan Grant strikes me as a thoroughly 2021, Australian version of the “pibe” (before anyone spits out their drink, it is obviously not a comparison of ability!)
As we’ve heard many times, Rhyan Grant is from Canowindra. As we’ve also heard and seen many times, he had a now dearly-departed mullet, surfs, loves the Penrith Panthers, seems like a bit of a laugh and comes across as down-to-earth as a professional athlete can be.
On the pitch, Grant runs himself into the ground every game, is fit as a mallee bull, delivers pinpoint crosses, scores goals (big goals), defends stoically and never shirks a challenge of any sort.
Combined with his Triple J aesthetic, he seems to embody all the great traits we look for in our footballers, and his undisputed starting right back role for the Socceroos is ample reward for someone who exudes genuine passion for the national team.
Rhyan Grant (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Perhaps the best feature of Grant’s career arc so far, from hard-working beginnings in regional NSW to current gun for club and country, is the fact that he’s done it all in front of a local audience.
We are constantly told that the A-League isn’t good enough for development, and that players with talent and potential need to up sticks at the first sign of an overseas offer.
Grant meanwhile has stayed the course at Sydney FC his whole career, continuously improving year-on-year, suffering and returning from two devastating ACL injuries, and is now arguably at the peak of his powers. This is a bloke who is extracting every ounce of ability from himself.
While there is no doubt an overseas move is still a distinct possibility, the fact he has been so committed to Sydney FC marks him out as an important figure for the game here, as he is living proof that you can live the dream of playing for the Socceroos and concurrently carve out a high-level career in the A-League.
On a personal level, the arrival of his mullet, and its subsequent social media fame, actually re-piqued my interest in the A-League, as I had allowed myself to drift away from it’s goings-on while living overseas for five years.
Needless to say, I’ve never looked back, and love the A-League as much as I ever have now, all thanks to Rhyan Grant.
‘Buster’, as he is affectionately known, turns 30 this week, and what I hope we see and hear more of in the oncoming Autumn of his career is robust discussion and an appreciation for his totemic standing in the A-League and Australian Football in general.
Grem
Roar Rookie
How old is Ibrahimovic and what league is he in?
Grem
Roar Rookie
You obviously know little about football.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Was that the same World Cup where Germany went on to beat Brazil 6-0? Perhaps Brazil should pull out of all tournaments too - they must be a poor football team!
Punter
Roar Rookie
Now, now, love!!!!
AndyAdelaide
Roar Rookie
let's call a spade a spade, not a gardening tool :)
Johan
Guest
The odd victory in meaningless friendlies don’t count. In World Cups Australia has been consistently humbled against these teams like in Durban in 2010. Germany 4-0 Australia. It could have been 10.
Johan
Guest
Strange you list Italy as not competing. Italy has won the World Cup four times. Clearly you don’t know your football- but then you use the nickname of a former Australian cricketer so no surprise.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Exactly, while I'm all for promoting youth & giving them a chance instead of recycled journeymen, I think view from some posters that all players above 25 years old are no good, ummmmm.
Grem
Roar Rookie
And a poor league? It's the strongest sport we have in this country. With over a million participants we draw from the largest pool of talent. Mathematically it has to be our best sport.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Australia, under Ange Postecoglou, participated against the best nations in the world a few years ago. He had many A League based players and no actual stars. We participated with great skill and ability against nations such as Chile. Our team was their equal We participated with great determination at the last World Cup where we unluckily lost to France and drew with Denmark. The Socceroos spirit is incredible and we would have done well again. And this is our only sporting team that can actually compete against the world.
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
We’ve beaten all 3 of Germany, Argentina and France and in 2 cases whilst they were reigning world champions.
Micko
Roar Rookie
The Phoenix need to get rid of Davila: approaching 30 very soon! :shocked: :silly:
Micko
Roar Rookie
Wow, he's had two major knee injuries?! :shocked: Would never know watching him. :thumbup:
Micko
Roar Rookie
All those white people, right? :silly:
Punter
Roar Rookie
Neither does Japan, Korea, Italy, Russia or USA. Some of them are footballing countries, some have far bigger populations then Australia, some spend a lot of government monies on their National teams because they understand the prestige of having a top class football team, some of them don't have 2 other football codes dominating the local scene. Comprende.
Richard Gough
Guest
Touch
AndyAdelaide
Roar Rookie
no chance in hell a premier league club comes calling for a 30 year who's done 2 ACLs, i would be surprised if a lower league english club even came in for him. His best bet is malaysia or india if he wants an overseas journey
Johan
Guest
You give my point punter!! The Socceroos do not compete. They may play the likes of Germany, Argentina and France but they are seldom competitive.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Grant is underrated actually compared to previous alternatives and should have been playing many years earlier. McGowan can you seriously believe this guy was played at right back at a world cup by Ange instead of having Rhyan Grant. Franjic was washed up years ago, even Wilkshire was clearly past his use by date for so many years, and the less about DeGenek the better. Grant at the world cup as well as Brosque Australia could have done something, Risdon was clearly in decline in 2018 though he was good in 2016.
Tigertown
Guest
I recall Grant mentioned a few weeks ago he wanted a chance of playing overseas. He’s hit the heights at FC, he’s been a committed servant, but could he make it in the EPL? I think the guy still has plenty of gas in the tank. However, I’d be curious to see him play for another A-League club. I think many would love to have him.