Can only assume this type of selection was aimed at the olympics. Get him in the squad, used to the environment and a back three of him on the left, surman in the middle and bindon on the right could be interesting come Paris
Plus Libby would play every minute as one of our best players
Yeah if I was Rufer I'd be wondering what else I have to be doing to get a look in. Easily his best form for the Nix and yet misses out. I guess he's competing with Lewis, Bell and Garbett as the CM players? Lewis has been in decent form, dunno about Bell, not even captain now, not sure about Garbett.
Not sure why Roux doesn't get a look in and we have Ingham?
Smith is a good wise head in the camp.
I wouldn't have had Mata. McCowatt is a forward to me, so not sure why we needed another forward option (who will hardly play). Rather Rufer was in the squad in case Bell or Lewis get injured.
I think it is odd that Rufer is ostensibly missing out because there is too much competition in midfield. I think that Joe Bell is the only other player in our squad that can do what Rufer can, and you could argue that Rufer is potentially the best player we have in terms of screening the defense and breaking up play. Stamenic, Lewis, Garbett, Old, Singh & McCowatt don't really do that job.
going to be interesting if both Pijnaker & Smith end up in Auckland, Pijnaker would surely need to be starting ahead of Smith each week to keep his place in the All Whites squadNelfoos
mrsmiis
Ingham, Smith… fudge’s sake
I'd rather have Smith than Pijnaker, at least Smith has experience. I'm yet to see a reason for Nando to play except for the fact he's left footed.
I would have picked him over Lewis - although I do note they ar different players. If Rufer wants to make the WC (and play) he needs to go overseas IMO.
Kelly Heald is a surprise for me. Though he's been a bit inconsistent for the Nix tbh. What's up with McGarry or Wilkins ?
McGarry wasn't in Dons match day squad for their Cup game on the weekend against Kilmarnock. That's after coming off the bench in SPL game prior. Injured again? Poor fella seems made of glass.
Wilkins played his first game for new club SønderjyskE on the weekend. I think the Danish 2nd tier stops for the March window - is last game of regular season this weekend, before top 6/bottom 6 split - so draw not out yet for games beyond this weekend.
They may have been overlooked for LK-H or even made themselves unavailable, as they know they have squat chance of major playing time in the UAE.
Since the Tokyo Olympics & borders opening up again, Libby has had an absolute lock on the LB position. He's started 16 games for the AWs, and only 3 times not played a full game. With a quick rough looksee he's missed the Algeria 'A' (late 2021), Jordan & Oman games (2022) plus a few at the OFC qualifying tourney in March 2022.
Last year in 2023, Cacace started all 8 AW matches, and apart from coming off at 78 mins verus the Congo, played every minute. There was also the half game against Qatar.
De Vries, Wilkins, Deklan Wynne & McGarry have all been there at some point as his backup - but mostly just to ride the pine, or match up at training. LK-H (who I think has huge potential) is going along for the big match experience, and to eat some yummy Middle Eastern food.
Not sure why Roux doesn't get a look in and we have Ingham?
Smith is a good wise head in the camp.
I wouldn't have had Mata. McCowatt is a forward to me, so not sure why we needed another forward option (who will hardly play). Rather Rufer was in the squad in case Bell or Lewis get injured.
Think Mata is the most like for like Wood backup. Aerial threat & hold up play. Mata actually looked good I thought in his 30 mins against Ireland, though like with Shrewsbury he couldn't finish the chances he got.
Wouldn't surprise if Nuno has dictated limited mins for the Woodsman in the UAE. He's going to be crucial to Forest's survival hopes (starting with a huge game against Luton this weekend), and is coming back from a hammy injury. He won't be playing 180 mins in 4 days in the UAE.
Be interesting to know if Tuiloma was bypassed by Bazeley or was unavailable. He's got a new coach at Charlotte, he'll be desperate to impress, and the MLS doesn't stop for the window. He may now get an opportunity as Charlotte's LB Jare Uronen, is a Finnish International (lots of Finns in the MLS), and Finland have a big UEFA European Championship Qualifier in Cardiff this window.
Ingham for Roux is likely the big contentious pick. Kirwan another who could be unavailable with Serie C playing through the window, Padova chasing promotion, and Payne seems Baze's preferred RB. Though Chiefy may ask that his 1st choice RB doesn't play 180 up & down mins, in 4 days plus long haul travel. And yes Rufer is unlucky.
Kelly Heald is a surprise for me. Though he's been a bit inconsistent for the Nix tbh. What's up with McGarry or Wilkins ?
Looks like Wilkins has been a regular for his side on the right hand side. Transfermarkt has him "not in the squad" recently, though perhaps injured?
At least Woud is not going to be in goal!
Wilkins is probably the biggest head scratcher for mine tbh - versatility covering both left and right hand flanks (LB/LWB/RB/RWB). That's some option that is.
Although if Baze is specifically looking at U23 players for the Olympics then it makes sense, as Wilkins would be at very long odds to get one of the over age positions in a squad.
Kinda curious to see if LKH gets a shot as a left sided CB. That perhaps is only likely in a 3 CB setup though.
Not sure why Roux doesn't get a look in and we have Ingham?
Smith is a good wise head in the camp.
I wouldn't have had Mata. McCowatt is a forward to me, so not sure why we needed another forward option (who will hardly play). Rather Rufer was in the squad in case Bell or Lewis get injured.
Think Mata is the most like for like Wood backup. Aerial threat & hold up play. Mata actually looked good I thought in his 30 mins against Ireland, though like with Shrewsbury he couldn't finish the chances he got.
Wouldn't surprise if Nuno has dictated limited mins for the Woodsman in the UAE. He's going to be crucial to Forest's survival hopes (starting with a huge game against Luton this weekend), and is coming back from a hammy injury. He won't be playing 180 mins in 4 days in the UAE.
Be interesting to know if Tuiloma was bypassed by Bazeley or was unavailable. He's got a new coach at Charlotte, he'll be desperate to impress, and the MLS doesn't stop for the window. He may now get an opportunity as Charlotte's LB Jare Uronen, is a Finnish International (lots of Finns in the MLS), and Finland have a big UEFA European Championship Qualifier in Cardiff this window.
Ingham for Roux is likely the big contentious pick. Kirwan another who could be unavailable with Serie C playing through the window, Padova chasing promotion, and Payne seems Baze's preferred RB. And yes Rufer is unlucky.
Hopefully in the next few years we have better options than someone playing in the League of Ireland. Nothing against the guy but it's not really top level stuff.
But to be a glass half full .... this squad looks amazing on paper to what we used to get even 5 years ago! All playing for decent clubs and no "Unattached FC"
Ingham, Smith, and Pijnaker all surprised me. But I suppose we always had to have at least one of Smith/Pijnaker - don't see us needing both (yes, I know Pijnaker's left-footed but it's still a no from me).
Harsh call to leave Rufer out. From a Phoenix perspective, hopefully he'll be able to rest and be fresh for our push towards the finals. I'd hate for all our best players to represent the AW's and then come home knackered right when it counts.
Baze staying positive on Matt Dibley-Dias' commitment to NZ. Says this window was a bit too early for him to come back following his injury, after chatting to Matt and to Fulham - but Matt seems very keen to come back into the squad eventually
Baze staying positive on Matt Dibley-Dias' commitment to NZ. Says this window was a bit too early for him to come back following his injury, after chatting to Matt and to Fulham - but Matt seems very keen to come back into the squad eventually
I would have picked him over Lewis - although I do note they ar different players. If Rufer wants to make the WC (and play) he needs to go overseas IMO.
Yep- Rufer is the best DM, except for perhaps Stamenic. Personally think he’s probably better than Bell defensively at the moment.
You look at Lewis’ defending for MacArthur’s first goal yesterday. Lewis can be a deep lying playmaker, but I don’t think he’s good enough to be a DM in the internationals we’ve played this year.
On the other hand I kind of want him fresh for this run in. It would be a huge achievement in NZ football if we can pull it off.
Surprised at Mata's selection . He's done nothing at Shrewsbury and been sent back to Ireland to get same game time and hopefully confidence in his play. Tommy Smith is also a surprise unless he is there in some kind of mentoring role on the side line.
Squad announcement was even referenced on TV1 news.
Good coverage of Kiwi football on TV One news these days with a pro football sports news department. Even amongst their news readers, Chris Chang started as a sports news presenter mainly interested in football, while Simon Dallow is a former goalkeeper. They had reports on all the Ferns matches in OFC Olympic qualifying recently. Weekly match previews of the Phoenix men. As an example of their coverage vs. TV Three, on Saturday TV One had a report on the Phoenix women's important win away in Perth, TV Three had nothing.... It's in TV One's interests to promote NZ teams in their sports news because all All Whites and Ferns friendlies now screen live on TVNZ's Duke and TVNZ+ platforms. I watched the All Whites friendlies late last year on the Duke channel and recorded them on my MySky box - I prefer that to streaming on FIFA+
Baze staying positive on Matt Dibley-Dias' commitment to NZ. Says this window was a bit too early for him to come back following his injury, after chatting to Matt and to Fulham - but Matt seems very keen to come back into the squad eventually
I'm sure that Fulham will release him for the Olympics. Our Olympic squad is shaping to be very strong this year. They'll have more experience than last time in Japan, with several players from that side selected but much further along in their club careers now. Lets hope they can emulate the Tokyo squad who made the quarter-finals and finished ranked sixth ahead of Germany, Argentina and France, what to speak of the lowly Olyroos......
Not sure why Roux doesn't get a look in and we have Ingham?
Smith is a good wise head in the camp.
I wouldn't have had Mata. McCowatt is a forward to me, so not sure why we needed another forward option (who will hardly play). Rather Rufer was in the squad in case Bell or Lewis get injured.
Think Mata is the most like for like Wood backup. Aerial threat & hold up play. Mata actually looked good I thought in his 30 mins against Ireland, though like with Shrewsbury he couldn't finish the chances he got.
Wouldn't surprise if Nuno has dictated limited mins for the Woodsman in the UAE. He's going to be crucial to Forest's survival hopes (starting with a huge game against Luton this weekend), and is coming back from a hammy injury. He won't be playing 180 mins in 4 days in the UAE.
Be interesting to know if Tuiloma was bypassed by Bazeley or was unavailable. He's got a new coach at Charlotte, he'll be desperate to impress, and the MLS doesn't stop for the window. He may now get an opportunity as Charlotte's LB Jare Uronen, is a Finnish International (lots of Finns in the MLS), and Finland have a big UEFA European Championship Qualifier in Cardiff this window.
Ingham for Roux is likely the big contentious pick. Kirwan another who could be unavailable with Serie C playing through the window, Padova chasing promotion, and Payne seems Baze's preferred RB. Though Chiefy may ask that his 1st choice RB doesn't play 180 up & down mins, in 4 days plus long haul travel. And yes Rufer is unlucky.
Tuiloma hasn't appeared for Charlotte in their first three matches of the new MLS season due to a thigh injury and though he was on the bench on the weekend, he didn't play. Charlotte were not likely to release a player who isn't very fit at the moment, nor would Bazeley you'd think, want to call up an unfit player who hasn't played for a while.
Tuiloma has been on the bench the last 2 Charlotte MLS games. The MLS is played at a quicker pace than the ALM (it's currently a lot cooler stateside, so that helps). He must be reasonably fit for Charlotte to trust him with a bench spot. And then Tommy Smith has only played 113 mins for Macarthur the last 6 weeks, and he was picked.
Wouldn't surprise if Billy T & Bazeley had a chat, and Tuiloma said I will hopefully get some MLS game time when fellow defender Uronen heads off with Finland in the March window. Makes sense for everyone he skips the AWs this time. Especially when his MLS club future must now be up in the air. Reckon AFC Auckland will be in talks with him.
But also yes for sure with Surman & Bindon emerging so quick, Smith, Pijnaker & Tuiloma are not longer automatic squad selections.
Also- I think Old and Garbett get in each other’s space? Based on club experiences I’d look at having another defensively strong midfielder and pushing Garbett to that LWF position. Old can then have an impact off the bench…
Hmm- though Just/Waine/Kosta are all also not chopped liver.
Long story short I’d like to have Rufer there! Southgate ain’t wrong and Chief wasn’t wrong until Melbourne.
Maybe
Crocombe Payne Boxy Bindon Cacace Bell Stamenic Old Singh Garbett Wood
Which leaves Cacace and Payne providing width, so Bell/Old need to cover their respective sides. Again I’d be worried about our midfield getting in each others way. I’d want Bell and Singh dropping deep to get the ball and to keep it moving. And about Old dribbling from deep. Though that’s what’s potentially great about him too.
Probably with Payne and Cacace not getting as far forward and looking to hit early crosses some of the time with Singh and Garbett getting into the box late from midfield.
Right now, I think you have to start Payne, Boxall, Cacace, Stamenic, Bell, Singh, Wood & Garbett.
You then add one of Crocombe/Paulsen and one of Bindon/Surman.
That leaves one spot, which you could make a case for any of McCowatt, Old, Kosta, Waine & Just (with Rojas almost certain to be added to this conversation in June). For me it's a toss-up between McCowatt, Kosta & Old right now.
What is interesting to me is there is only one player who is undisputedly in our best starting XI & will be for years to come and that's Cacace. Wood & Boxall would be but for their advanced age, fingers crossed but you just don't know when they'll start to lose the battle against time. Bell has been in an extended form slump, maybe he never gets out of it? He along with Stamenic, Garbett & Singh could be nailed on starters for years to come but they haven't quite established themselves properly at club level. Payne needs to do well to keep the likes of Kirwan & Elliot at bay (I don't see Ingham as genuine competition and while Roux should be in the conversation it seems Bazeley just doesn't like him).
In short there is going to be no shortage of discussion on this topic in coming years.
And it seems like the Auckland team is likely to increase the number of minutes Kiwis are playing professionally, so thank you Mr Foley! That debate is only going to get better as more players are available.
But Wilkins and Roux do seem to be forgotten men. Not only playing, but both enjoying a degree of success.
Probably should have a look at who FIFA world ranked 36 Egypt (67 places higher than NZ) have in their squad, and how they will set up. I'm sure Bazeley will be when considering who to start with. Will he go back 3/5 or 4?
Anyone know much about the Pharaohs? Sounds like their 19 domestic based players are already in camp, and the 6 foreign based guys (sans Mo Salah) join up next week. So they are going to be very well prepared (more prepared than the AWs), especially since they have had 5 games together as recently as January with AFCON. AWs reassembling for the first time in 4 months.
How fit is Garbett after his shoulder dislocation? Played 35 mins on the weekend for Breda. Be interesting to see if he starts this weekend.
I'd go a bit more defensive with Lewis starting ahead of Garbs, especially if the latter is again only off the bench for his club this weekend. Like Martin also worry Old & Garbett could take up the same space sometimes.
Crocombe Payne Boxy Bindon Cacace Bell Stamenic Lewis Singh Old Wood
This is an old tweet, before Salah was ruled out, but lists their foreign based cohort.
Hossam Hassan names the foreign-based players participating in the March camp in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers 🇪🇬#egyptntpic.twitter.com/ZpxToPTfeM
Some hope for AWs is that the Egyptians were very scratchy at AFCON with bizarrely three 2-2 draws in their pool (Mozambique, Ghana & Cape Verde), and then lost their Last 16 tie (sans Salah) to the Congo DRon pens (8-7). Was 1-1 after ET.
The AWs had their own 1-1 draw with Congo DR, last October. From memory some stat like the Congolese had 7 players start both those games.So yeah if that's right, that's a definite positive.
The Pharaohs also have a new coach after their poor AFCON, and the messy Salah club verus country saga will have been a distraction.
Edit - oh and unless some similarily gifted player pops from nowhere next few years, to me a fit Singh will be a nailed on starter for the AWs, until father time says no more. He's a unique player by NZ football standards, and the attack most often looked toothless when he was absent. Everything good in the 2nd half against Ireland came through Sarpreet. He's so important & special (again by NZ standrads) you can virtually ignore whatever he's doing at club level.
Also- I think Old and Garbett get in each other’s space? Based on club experiences I’d look at having another defensively strong midfielder and pushing Garbett to that LWF position. Old can then have an impact off the bench…
Hmm- though Just/Waine/Kosta are all also not chopped liver.
Long story short I’d like to have Rufer there! Southgate ain’t wrong and Chief wasn’t wrong until Melbourne.
Maybe
Crocombe Payne Boxy Bindon Cacace Bell Stamenic Old Singh Garbett Wood
Which leaves Cacace and Payne providing width, so Bell/Old need to cover their respective sides. Again I’d be worried about our midfield getting in each others way. I’d want Bell and Singh dropping deep to get the ball and to keep it moving. And about Old dribbling from deep. Though that’s what’s potentially great about him too.
Probably with Payne and Cacace not getting as far forward and looking to hit early crosses some of the time with Singh and Garbett getting into the box late from midfield.
