If I was to ask a fan of the A-League to say the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the name James Troisi, there would be a broad range of words.
Some would say he is controversial for his views on life, others would call him a mercenary for chasing money or even an enigma – for his mysterious demeanour on and off the pitch.
Perhaps the word to use is fortunate, as James Troisi will be joining the reigning A-League champions Western United on a one-year deal for season 2022-23.
It has been a career filled with many ups and downs since being plucked from Adelaide City by English premiership side Newcastle United as a talented 17-year-old.
Troisi never made a first-team appearance for United but found form in Turkey, before being bought in a 50 per cent split between Juventus and Atalanta.
His time in Italy was a disappointment and then followed by stopovers in Belgium, Saudi Arabia & China before coming back home to Australia after many years overseas.
Troisi’s first spell with the victory in 2013-14 was a success personally for the player, finding the back of the net a dozen times as well as contributing several assists – in a club season many would describe as the best in his career.
(Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
This was closely followed by scoring the winning goal for Australia, in the 2015 Asian Cup final against South Korea.
Troisi’s talent has never been in doubt, he is without a doubt one of the finest attacking midfielders of his generation – if only his attitude was able to match the magic he can produce with his boots.
Attitude can make or break a footballer and Troisi’s attitude, or lack thereof, has caused issues over the course of his career.
Training ground bust-ups with teammates, as well as coaches, have been commonplace with accusations about his level of commitment in relation to wanting to change clubs regularly, purely for financial gain.
Then there has been the drama in recent years associated with his time at Adelaide United and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
A return home to the city of his birth, Adelaide in 2019 looked a dream come true – however it ended unceremoniously with a public spat that also involved the player’s father, which was the talk of Australian football circles at the time.
In the past season with the Western Sydney Wanderers he was known more for his controversial social media views on the vaccine mandate then actually playing football.
Entering the last phase of his football career, Troisi still has the weapons to hurt teams – his wand of a left foot is capable of opening up defences, while also being a threat with set-piece delivery and a knack of being in the right positions to try and get a shot on goal.
But at 34 years old the move to the champions Western United, seems odd on paper.
United coach John Aloisi assembled the oldest squad in the competition last season, that included revamping multiple ageing stars in having an Indian summer in terms of their performance.
How Aloisi integrates Troisi into his settled squad, playing a type of football that might not get the best out of his mercurial new attacking midfielder’s abilities could be one of the most interesting sideshows to watch in season 22-23.
Even in his advancing years, Troisi still has the brashness and sharp tongue to take shots at other clubs he’s played for in the A-League – with a backhanded quote from his unveiling at Western United.
“The professionalism from day one has been far superior to any other club that I’ve dealt with in Australian football, definitely a benchmark for all clubs,” the ex-Socceroo said.
Troisi has always blurred the lines between confidence and arrogance, add to this his controversial views – and it’s the equivalent of dumping more gasoline on an already raging inferno.
The last thing Western United needs is to keep putting out fires from the combustible James Troisi, especially as they target back-to-back championships.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Troisi when he had one of the best seasons in A-league history people weren't talking about him, the older and the worse he gets the more people talk about him. Troisi was on track to be one of the better Socceroos , the move to Turkey was a good one for him initially, he was picked up by the club he scored a hat trick against but then he has a dry two years and then comes really good, and Turkey league then was a lot better than the current broke Turkey of today. His ten goal season as a winger in Turkey back then would put him as the current no 1 Socceroo today. I watched him early on in his Serie A season with Atlanta and he looked good . Then thats when things started to go wrong, I dont know what happened maybe distracted off the field but his game time went downhill. Then when he was being sent to the A-league I thought he would blow everyone away, 10 goals in Turkey at that time is worth at least 20 in Australia, and he was coming to Australia at a similiar age to Berisha who didnt perform in the Bund 2 which was about the same as Turkey in those days. It wasn';t the same Troisi I saw in Seire A ,still his first A-league season was one of the best A-league seasons double digit goals and assists. If he had maintained that he could have at least been one of the best A-league players of all time. However he then goes back overseas Belgium he does well then looks good in the Asia Cup. Then kiss of death he goes both to the Middle East and China. Then comes back to the A-league and he is half the player he used to be. Then its been down hill since. With his Turkish super league season at about 23 years you would have expected at least a decent 10 years in Europe instead of whats he done.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
This had me thinking something like Troisi = Kyrgios
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
we're going to disagree here, as there are several teams i would be concerned about if i was a supporter. 2 and bit months to go, so things can change rapidly
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Good call Punter
Punter
Roar Rookie
Attitude, many different words can be used that are similar. Attitude is the reason why Kewell was the most talented Socceroos, but Cahill was the greatest Socceroo. Difference between Ronaldo & Bale at Real Madrid.
Punter
Roar Rookie
James always reminded me of a cricketing term 'flat track bully'. Yes he had the skills, he had the tools, but rarely at the highest level showed it.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Scout, tell me if you disagree, but, what will be interesting is this whole coming season. For me there is potentially no weak team in the league, the recruitment has been brilliant, and if this is not a season to get butts back on seats, I will be the next Skipper of the National squad. I might be wrong, but I reckon this coming season will be an absolute b#ll tearer
Franko
Guest
Last stop before India I guess.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Scout, you continue to provide insight and every regular here should be grateful for that, it's not something easy to come by. You mention attitude. Where I come from, attitude is everything. Keep your head down, do the hard work, listen, learn, employ what you learn, and most of all, never take your good fortune for granted. Some just dont get that. The perfect is example is on SBS on Demand. Have a look at the doco series The Queen's Guard, A Year in the Service. Young fellas who have a shot at making something of their lives with the Coldstream Guards. Briliant doco. Troisi is one who probably best can be described as an enigma as you say. One who is hard to pin down, he leaves you guessing every time. But, with all that said, I am grateful for the contribution he has made to Australian football, there has been some beautiful football contributions made by Troisi. And yes, I agree that it will be interesting as to how he fits in, it had me perplexed. And one thing is for sure, JA will not put up with any recalcitrant behaviour.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
definitely falls into the 'what if' category JT had all the technical skills to be one of the best attacking players of his generation, unfortunately his raging bull in a china shop mentallity has been extremely detrimental in his career. (and thats even before factoring in the injuries that continually hamper him.) reminds me a lot of daniel arzani in that regard. it will be interesting how aloisi incorporates him into the side, on paper with the way western united play - JT will be asked to do a lot of work defensively, not his strong point
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
terrible name for a club. once (if) they actually move to melbournes west side, the club should be renamed to: West Melbourne United or West Melbourne FC
Grem
Roar Rookie
A classic case of almost a great player. I certainly enjoyed watching him and following his career as he first appeared for the Socceroos. He was often exciting to watch and I was expecting a long career with match winning moments at a good European club and for the Socceroos - a bit like Nicky Carle. In the end he carved out a decent career and I can’t criticise him for seeking better contracts - wouldn’t most of us. Helping us to the 2015 Asian Cup and a good run under Ange was certainly his highlight time for me. I’m not aware of his personality traits, but I hope he has a good season with WU. Another great football article Secret Scout. I personally prefer this type of story on The Roar because it is about our players. Great insights SS.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Had me guessing he was joining Perth Glory with that article headline! :silly: It's quite daft (and arrogant) that teams in national comps from slightly west of Melbourne use the "Western" moniker!