- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
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.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.