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Australia's Socceroos World Cup players, Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Harry Kewell pose for team photo in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, May 19, 2010. AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill.
Regardless of whether he is Australian captain or not, the time has come to pull stumps on Lucas Neill’s international career.
In the last 12 months it has become increasingly clear that he simply can no longer cut the mustard.
He is constantly caught out in defence and his lack of pace has become a liability, which has become increasingly evident given the pacey sides around Asia, and most recently and explicitly at the 2010 World Cup.
Whilst some will argue that he simply is our best option, I disagree.
Sure he has a tremendous amount of experience and no one can doubt his leadership abilities, but there are players waiting in the wings that can certainly do the job.
Mark Milligan has looked astute in all his offering in the Socceroos kit, and given four years as a focal point, he will only get better.
Michael Beauchamp showed his capabilities at the last World Cup, and although now back in the A-League, Beauchamp was commendable when called upon in South Africa.
Mathew Spiranovic is whom many hail as the leader of the next generation of Australian defenders. He has spent the last few years with Nurenberg, although most recently has been on loan with Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan. Why not give Spiranovic the opportunity many of his fans have been calling fall?
As well include the likes of Rhys Williams and Shane Lowry. Two young defenders with European experience, contracted to both Middlesbrough and Aston Villa respectively. Both have valuable experience with both playing internationally at youth level with Wales and the Republic of Ireland before swearing allegiance to the Socceroos in the last 18 months. This international experience will do them both the world of good in making the next step.
Adrian Leijer is also a player I feel should not be discounted. Still quite young at 23, yet has numerous seasons in the A-League already under his belt, as well as a spell with English Premier League side Fulham – although some may say unsuccessful – the experience gained would prove valuable to his career.
Patrick Kisnorbo is another. Currently with Leeds United although out long-term with injury. He would have been knocking down the door of Craig Moore for the World Cup given his form last season. Although older than most of the names given here, he is experienced and well worth the position.
Neill’s performance yesterday morning against Slovenia again showed his glaring lack of pace. It is clearly evident now and Neill is only going to get slower in the ensuing four years.
He is currently playing in Turkey with Galatasaray, and with all due respect to the Turkish league it is certainly no EPL, Seria A or La Liga. The import rule that exists in the Turkish Division means the quality is hurt from the lack of imports. This too could be effecting Neill’s decline.
The time is right to make the move. The Socceroos are in a period of change and we should start making the hard decisions now… and not when it is too late.
The numerous up and comers mentioned above may not fill the Australian public with confidence that they can fill the void of Neill right now, but given time and four years of international football under their belts, the Australian back four will be more than up to the mark in 2014 in Brazil whichever options they use.
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