All Whites vs Ivory Coast | Sun 8th June | 11:00am (NZT) | BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)

imanixsupporter

He made very obvious subs that anyone with a brain would make, hardly inspired. Any good will he gets from that is more that outweighed by selecting and then starting Tuiloma. I saw a clip of him scoring for Charlotte the other week and you could see how out of shape he was then. You cannot look like that and play RB. There were other options to select in Ingham and Sheridan. 

Agree. The subs were at exactly the 60 min mark- essentially predetermined and not a function of reading the game. 

I used to really rate Bill. Think back to the u20’s when he was our best player and, frankly, one of the best at the tournament. No wonder he got picked up by Marseille. At the risk of commenting negatively on ones appearance (however fitness is critical to being an athlete) Bill does not look like a player who has been putting in the work to be in top shape. Look at Ben Waine- not playing but looks like a real pro. 

It was embarrassing seeing him out there today and sends a very poor message to the wider pool of players. Dont they get the data on fitness and fold tests etc from the clubs to monitor this? .

Friar Tuck

YellowAndBlack

Anything I have to say about the game has been said, I am curious what people think our ranking could climb to?

I think friendlies usually don’t have a huge impact on FIFA rankings

Ah gutted!
Edit- just did a quick chatgpt looks like they do impact but not as much as a sanctioned fifa tournament.

Garbett looked like he was huffing and puffing after five mins, which is probably to be expected.

YellowAndBlack

Friar Tuck

YellowAndBlack

Anything I have to say about the game has been said, I am curious what people think our ranking could climb to?

I think friendlies usually don’t have a huge impact on FIFA rankings

Ah gutted!

You can see the formula and “importance score” here: https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/f99da4f73212220/original/edbm045h0udbwkqew35a-pdf.pdf

This was an international friendly in a FIFA window so should be 10 importance points I think

Put it into ChatGPT to see what it could come up with.

YellowAndBlack

Put it into ChatGPT to see what it could come up with.

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Oh awesome, let’s hope it plays out that way

Friar Tuck

YellowAndBlack

Put it into ChatGPT to see what it could come up with.

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Oh awesome, let’s hope it plays out that way

The +6.85 is correct but the 7 places is wrong. 6.85 is enough to bump us one spot by itself, and Bahrain has dropped points so we overtake them too so we move from 86 - 84

Latest official rankings 

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Projected rankings based on matches played 

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10th of July is when the official rankings come out hopefully we do climb to 84! Or higher with another result against Ukraine 

The spine was very good today. 

Bindon and Surman both 9/10. Crocombe the same. Very solid keeper. Surman must have nailed his spot after that. Cannot recall a better performance in an AWs shirt for a ling time. 

Bell had his best AW game for a while. Very industrious on defence. Lacks the athleticism of Marco but is a terrier. I would give him an 8.

Marco had a good game screening the back four and pushing forward when he could but i felt he lacked a 10 to give and go and drive forward. 7/10

Cacace was good defensively but a little careless with the ball. Still good second half to deny them opportunities 6.5/10

Tuiloma. Enough said. 2/10. Actually feel sorry for such a talented player. Needs to come and play in the A League where athleticism is imperative. 

Just. Great finish. But front third was very disjointed. 7/10 (5 without the goal). 

Kosta did well actually but he is best when he is running in behind not dropping in which is what he had to do a  lot today. So that was tough on him and he did well notwithstanding. Reminiscent of Nix when they didn’t have a #8 or 10. 6/10. 

Singh was well below his best. Sloppy with the ball when he dropped to get it and otherwise anonymous. With that sort of performance youd play rufer and push Marco further up. Like tuiloma very clear when players are rusty. Sarpreet looks fit but in the 10 role you need the finesse too  3/10

Callum. Short cameo. Was a little sloppy. 5/10

Old. Again just showed rustiness like Singh which as an attacking player id so much more noticeable. You still want his dribbling and offers a different threat to Just etc. 5/10

Garbett. Good to see he wasnt started- sensible. He has an energy and combativeness that are good against more physical teams. 6/10

Rufer. Did what was asked. May get minutes v UKR. I think we need he and Bell as twin 6’s while Garbett and Singh are finding form. 6/10

Great to have a clean sheet. A couple of years agi we wondered who was going to replace Reid and Boxall as it appeared the up and comers were all midfielders or attackers. Such a nice surprise to see Surman and Bindon develop so quickly . 

Rock Hopper

Loved that footage there of the Ukraine fan helping the All Whites fan set the Flying Kiwis banner up.

 

I was that guy. He’s actually a Canuck of Ukrainian descent. Very glad for his help.

My first takeaway, that hasn’t been said, is how composed and inch-perfect the finish was for the goal. Didn’t over hit it, but got enough on it to beat the keeper. 

Second was all our chances were coming from tackles made by Stamenic or Bell and moving forward quickly. 

Lastly, let’s not be too harsh on Tuiloma. Hasn’t played much for years, certainly isn’t match fit and is up against one of the toughest opponents New Zealand has faced. He also looks bad as his mates in the back line are one of the best new defenders in the MLS, team of the year in the Championship and Libby in Serie A.
Hopefully it’s given negotiations for him to come back to NZ a bit of a chance! I think it’s to his credit even though he had a tough game he hung in there, especially as he was targeted and that would have been the game plan irrespective of who was RB. 

Singh and Garbett not good enough today? Both guys that love a bit of space and a long shot. And perhaps a bit of ball movement with a 9. And are a bit rusty.

I suggested Randall because I felt that our best chances were going to come from direct counters and crisp finishing like Just’s goal today and I wonder who else could convincingly do that role? Good pace to get into the position for the pass and finish with the first or second touch. 

And if we’re playing a team like that de Vries would be risky. Great going forward and at A league level, but slightly slower than Cacace. However, if Wood’s and/or Mata is playing it might be worth it and Libby can push forward. 

martinb

My first takeaway, that hasn’t been said, is how composed and inch-perfect the finish was for the goal. Didn’t over hit it, but got enough on it to beat the keeper. 

Second was all our chances were coming from tackles made by Stamenic or Bell and moving forward quickly. 

Lastly, let’s not be too harsh on Tuiloma. Hasn’t played much for years, certainly isn’t match fit and is up against one of the toughest opponents New Zealand has faced. He also looks bad as his mates in the back line are one of the best new defenders in the MLS, team of the year in the Championship and Libby in Serie A.
Hopefully it’s given negotiations for him to come back to NZ a bit of a chance! I think it’s to his credit even though he had a tough game he hung in there, especially as he was targeted and that would have been the game plan irrespective of who was RB. 

Singh and Garbett not good enough today? Both guys that love a bit of space and a long shot. And perhaps a bit of ball movement with a 9. And are a bit rusty.

I suggested Randall because I felt that our best chances were going to come from direct counters and crisp finishing like Just’s goal today and I wonder who else could convincingly do that role? Good pace to get into the position for the pass and finish with the first or second touch. 

And if we’re playing a team like that de Vries would be risky. Great going forward and at A league level, but slightly slower than Cacace. However, if Wood’s and/or Mata is playing it might be worth it and Libby can push forward. 

Old is perfect for fast break counters, just needs to get back up to speed post injury

Friar Tuck

martinb

My first takeaway, that hasn’t been said, is how composed and inch-perfect the finish was for the goal. Didn’t over hit it, but got enough on it to beat the keeper. 

Second was all our chances were coming from tackles made by Stamenic or Bell and moving forward quickly. 

Lastly, let’s not be too harsh on Tuiloma. Hasn’t played much for years, certainly isn’t match fit and is up against one of the toughest opponents New Zealand has faced. He also looks bad as his mates in the back line are one of the best new defenders in the MLS, team of the year in the Championship and Libby in Serie A.
Hopefully it’s given negotiations for him to come back to NZ a bit of a chance! I think it’s to his credit even though he had a tough game he hung in there, especially as he was targeted and that would have been the game plan irrespective of who was RB. 

Singh and Garbett not good enough today? Both guys that love a bit of space and a long shot. And perhaps a bit of ball movement with a 9. And are a bit rusty.

I suggested Randall because I felt that our best chances were going to come from direct counters and crisp finishing like Just’s goal today and I wonder who else could convincingly do that role? Good pace to get into the position for the pass and finish with the first or second touch. 

And if we’re playing a team like that de Vries would be risky. Great going forward and at A league level, but slightly slower than Cacace. However, if Wood’s and/or Mata is playing it might be worth it and Libby can push forward. 

Old is perfect for fast break counters, just needs to get back up to speed post injury

Yep just on today’s availability. Old also is a much better player at beating good defenders, when at his best. 

I was at Serbia 2010 and again yesterday (still recovering from cheering the boys on). As exciting as it was, 2010 was still the bigger result for me but if we can back last night up with a result against Ukraine, we will be doing better then that 2010 side.

Bindon and Surman are exactly where Smith and Reid were 15 years ago. Monsters in the making!

I’m not sold on Tuiloma, Singh and Garbett currently. All showed a severe lack of match fitness.

Crocs must be the WC keeper unless he pulls a Moss (red card) or gets dropped as happened to Wilson in ‘82.

I also do not understand why Smith is still being picked if he’s not playing.

Serbia were 15th, we were 78th when we beat them.

HattyCW

Serbia were 15th, we were 78th when we beat them.

hard to think of a more successful two year period (in modern, professional history at least) for the all whites than 2009 and 2010. Disappointing results against Thailand and Tanzania aside, and of course the 5-0 drubbing at the hands of one of the worlds greatest ever teams - we really had a pretty good run. The narrow and extremely memorable 3-4 loss to Italy, a four match undefeated streak against Asian opposition, the big win against Serbia, Undefeated at the World Cup, and finishing things off with a score draw against Honduras. 

3 wins, 7 draws and 9 losses, with none of the 19 matches against OFC nations. Worth noting we at least scored in 5 of the 9 losses too. 

martinb

My first takeaway, that hasn’t been said, is how composed and inch-perfect the finish was for the goal. Didn’t over hit it, but got enough on it to beat the keeper. 

Second was all our chances were coming from tackles made by Stamenic or Bell and moving forward quickly. 

Lastly, let’s not be too harsh on Tuiloma. Hasn’t played much for years, certainly isn’t match fit and is up against one of the toughest opponents New Zealand has faced. He also looks bad as his mates in the back line are one of the best new defenders in the MLS, team of the year in the Championship and Libby in Serie A.
Hopefully it’s given negotiations for him to come back to NZ a bit of a chance! I think it’s to his credit even though he had a tough game he hung in there, especially as he was targeted and that would have been the game plan irrespective of who was RB. 

Singh and Garbett not good enough today? Both guys that love a bit of space and a long shot. And perhaps a bit of ball movement with a 9. And are a bit rusty.

I suggested Randall because I felt that our best chances were going to come from direct counters and crisp finishing like Just’s goal today and I wonder who else could convincingly do that role? Good pace to get into the position for the pass and finish with the first or second touch. 

And if we’re playing a team like that de Vries would be risky. Great going forward and at A league level, but slightly slower than Cacace. However, if Wood’s and/or Mata is playing it might be worth it and Libby can push forward. 

Yeah Bill was okay. Not a world beater but would be a good calm head off the bench and a big body on corners. Also helps he covers CB.

He's ahead of smith for that 5th CB spot just on his ability to cover a few positions. 

Ben Old missed the cut.

Great to be supporting @ryanfoxgolfer at the Canadian Open while in Toronto 🇨🇦🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/gWmCFBtv1k

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) June 8, 2025

Player of the match Finn Surman reflects on an important win for the All Whites against Côte d’Ivoire 🇳🇿🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/WB30GaSnk8

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) June 8, 2025

Goalscorer Eli Just’s postmatch comments after bagging the winner against the AFCON Champions 🇳🇿🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/Z66rOgP4WC

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) June 8, 2025

Tūīloma looks even fatter and unfit the last time he played for us. He needs to be given an ultimatum- no reason at this level 

martinb

My first takeaway, that hasn’t been said, is how composed and inch-perfect the finish was for the goal. Didn’t over hit it, but got enough on it to beat the keeper. 

Second was all our chances were coming from tackles made by Stamenic or Bell and moving forward quickly. 

Lastly, let’s not be too harsh on Tuiloma. Hasn’t played much for years, certainly isn’t match fit and is up against one of the toughest opponents New Zealand has faced. He also looks bad as his mates in the back line are one of the best new defenders in the MLS, team of the year in the Championship and Libby in Serie A.
Hopefully it’s given negotiations for him to come back to NZ a bit of a chance! I think it’s to his credit even though he had a tough game he hung in there, especially as he was targeted and that would have been the game plan irrespective of who was RB. 

Singh and Garbett not good enough today? Both guys that love a bit of space and a long shot. And perhaps a bit of ball movement with a 9. And are a bit rusty.

I suggested Randall because I felt that our best chances were going to come from direct counters and crisp finishing like Just’s goal today and I wonder who else could convincingly do that role? Good pace to get into the position for the pass and finish with the first or second touch. 

And if we’re playing a team like that de Vries would be risky. Great going forward and at A league level, but slightly slower than Cacace. However, if Wood’s and/or Mata is playing it might be worth it and Libby can push forward. 

They’ve had a blinder getting to watch Foxy win the Canadian Open

Kiwis supporting kiwis 🤙🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/yT0Zo3aIF3

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— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) June 8, 2025

Some genuine morons on here commenting that BT must have played OK because we got a clean sheet. These people actually need to learn that correlation does not equal causation. I have also read comments saying that BT will be good enough defensively for the Phoenix because he plays in the MLS. I wish these people would open their eyes and actually look at what BT does on the field, rather than using fallacious logic to somehow come to the conclusion that he is playing OK/is decent. He isn't.

He’ll be loving it…he’s (Old) a proper golfer isn’t he?

coochiee

Ben Old missed the cut.

Great to be supporting @ryanfoxgolfer at the Canadian Open while in Toronto 🇨🇦🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/gWmCFBtv1k

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) June 8, 2025

Player of the match Finn Surman reflects on an important win for the All Whites against Côte d’Ivoire 🇳🇿🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/WB30GaSnk8

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) June 8, 2025

Goalscorer Eli Just’s postmatch comments after bagging the winner against the AFCON Champions 🇳🇿🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/Z66rOgP4WC

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) June 8, 2025

imanixsupporter

Some genuine morons on here commenting that BT must have played OK because we got a clean sheet. These people actually need to learn that correlation does not equal causation. I have also read comments saying that BT will be good enough defensively for the Phoenix because he plays in the MLS. I wish these people would open their eyes and actually look at what BT does on the field, rather than using fallacious logic to somehow come to the conclusion that he is playing OK/is decent. He isn't.

Man you absolutely love to pile in all negative on a player for a period. You love it. Piper, LBS during the ALM season. McCowatt because he had 2 poor AWs games in March. Now Tuiloma.

I couldn't get my VPN connection organised for the first half. But yipe sounds like Billy T was poor. However I doubt he's fat or out of condition. You just wouldn't be allowed to be at a pro club in the MLS, if you were. Same any half decent pro environment really. Charlotte have him as captain for their rotated squad US Open Cup games, so he must have a certain mana at the club.

He's Samoan, he's always gonna be a big bodied bloke. Which is not really what you want in a full back, for that high cardio up & down role, and the need to turn quickly. He's a centre back, and yeah good enough to play in the A League for sure.

But hey the AWs don't have huge depth outside the top 30 odd guys, and RB is already one of the squad weak spots even when Payne, Roux and Wilkins, Kirwan are all available. 

Should Bazeley have started Elliott instead? Probably. Maybe my suggestion that Bill got the nod because he understands French was half true. Lets see who starts on the right flank against Ukraine. Callan should be a little less nervous now after a sound 30 odd mins off the pine against the Ivorians and no major errors.

Boxall is Samoan too, compare and contrast. Ingham and Sheridan other RB options (Ingham also Samoan, also in better shape).

Edit: i'll add that i think BT is a good footballer but not good enough defensively to play in a back 4 and by all appearances hasn't been fit enough to play in midfield for a very long time 

coochiee

imanixsupporter

Some genuine morons on here commenting that BT must have played OK because we got a clean sheet. These people actually need to learn that correlation does not equal causation. I have also read comments saying that BT will be good enough defensively for the Phoenix because he plays in the MLS. I wish these people would open their eyes and actually look at what BT does on the field, rather than using fallacious logic to somehow come to the conclusion that he is playing OK/is decent. He isn't.

Man you absolutely love to pile in all negative on a player for a period. Piper, LBS during the ALM season. McCowatt because he had 2 poor AWs games in March. Now Tuiloma.

I couldn't get my VPN connection organised for the first half. But yipe sounds like Billy T was poor. However I doubt he's fat or out of condition. You just wouldn't be allowed to be at a pro club in the MLS, if you were. Same any half decent pro environment really. Charlotte have him as captain for their rotated squad US Open Cup games, so he must have a certain mana at the club.

He's Samoan, he's always gonna be a big bodied bloke. Which is not really what you want in a full back, for that high cardio up & down role, and the need to turn quickly. He's a centre back, and yeah good enough to play in the A League for sure.

But hey the AWs don't have huge depth outside the top 30 odd guys, and RB is already probably one of the squad weak spots even when Payne, Roux and Wilkins, Kirwan are all available. 

Should Bazeley have started Elliott instead? Probably. Maybe my suggestion that Bill got the nod because he understands French was half true. Lets see who starts on the right flank against Ukraine. Callan should be a little less nervous now after a sound 30 odd mins off the pine against the Ivorians and no major errors.

Agree with this. The dude is looking solid but no way anyone would start him if he wasn't fit enough to keep up. He didn't have an amazing game but he also didn't let the team down. 

To the poster above. No need to call people morons. The beauty of a forum is we can all have an open debate. 

Ok yeah apologies. Using the m word a bit harsh. 

imanixsupporter

Boxall is Samoan too, compare and contrast. Ingham and Sheridan other RB options (Ingham also Samoan, also in better shape).

Edit: i'll add that i think BT is a good footballer but not good enough defensively to play in a back 4 and by all appearances hasn't been fit enough to play in midfield for a very long time 

I'm going to go out on a risky limb, and guess Bill is 100% Samoan, ie both parents.

Neither Boxy, Ingham or Stamenic (Samoan mum) are. 

Despite his acquired UK accent, Maxime Teremoana Crocombe has Cook Islands heritage. 

Anyway again Tuiloma wouldn't be allowed to survive in a pro football environment if he didn't hit certain fitness levels. But those levels for a CB can be alot easier than the gut busting full back role. Just go ask Tim Payne. I remember Payne commenting on that a few times.

Pretty much my rankings too, except for McCowatt who gave the ball away cheaply and dribbled and passed backwards too much.
This isn't a one-off, and I'm not sure how he makes the squad, let alone starts.
Old was ineffective on the day, but IMO he and Cacace are better choices.

JasperNix

The spine was very good today. 

Bindon and Surman both 9/10. Crocombe the same. Very solid keeper. Surman must have nailed his spot after that. Cannot recall a better performance in an AWs shirt for a ling time. 

Bell had his best AW game for a while. Very industrious on defence. Lacks the athleticism of Marco but is a terrier. I would give him an 8.

Marco had a good game screening the back four and pushing forward when he could but i felt he lacked a 10 to give and go and drive forward. 7/10

Cacace was good defensively but a little careless with the ball. Still good second half to deny them opportunities 6.5/10

Tuiloma. Enough said. 2/10. Actually feel sorry for such a talented player. Needs to come and play in the A League where athleticism is imperative. 

Just. Great finish. But front third was very disjointed. 7/10 (5 without the goal). 

Kosta did well actually but he is best when he is running in behind not dropping in which is what he had to do a  lot today. So that was tough on him and he did well notwithstanding. Reminiscent of Nix when they didn’t have a #8 or 10. 6/10. 

Singh was well below his best. Sloppy with the ball when he dropped to get it and otherwise anonymous. With that sort of performance youd play rufer and push Marco further up. Like tuiloma very clear when players are rusty. Sarpreet looks fit but in the 10 role you need the finesse too  3/10

Callum. Short cameo. Was a little sloppy. 5/10

Old. Again just showed rustiness like Singh which as an attacking player id so much more noticeable. You still want his dribbling and offers a different threat to Just etc. 5/10

Garbett. Good to see he wasnt started- sensible. He has an energy and combativeness that are good against more physical teams. 6/10

Rufer. Did what was asked. May get minutes v UKR. I think we need he and Bell as twin 6’s while Garbett and Singh are finding form. 6/10

Great to have a clean sheet. A couple of years agi we wondered who was going to replace Reid and Boxall as it appeared the up and comers were all midfielders or attackers. Such a nice surprise to see Surman and Bindon develop so quickly . 

coochiee

imanixsupporter

Some genuine morons on here commenting that BT must have played OK because we got a clean sheet. These people actually need to learn that correlation does not equal causation. I have also read comments saying that BT will be good enough defensively for the Phoenix because he plays in the MLS. I wish these people would open their eyes and actually look at what BT does on the field, rather than using fallacious logic to somehow come to the conclusion that he is playing OK/is decent. He isn't.

Man you absolutely love to pile in all negative on a player for a period. You love it. Piper, LBS during the ALM season. McCowatt because he had 2 poor AWs games in March. Now Tuiloma.

I couldn't get my VPN connection organised for the first half. But yipe sounds like Billy T was poor. However I doubt he's fat or out of condition. You just wouldn't be allowed to be at a pro club in the MLS, if you were. Same any half decent pro environment really. Charlotte have him as captain for their rotated squad US Open Cup games, so he must have a certain mana at the club.

He's Samoan, he's always gonna be a big bodied bloke. Which is not really what you want in a full back, for that high cardio up & down role, and the need to turn quickly. He's a centre back, and yeah good enough to play in the A League for sure.

But hey the AWs don't have huge depth outside the top 30 odd guys, and RB is already one of the squad weak spots even when Payne, Roux and Wilkins, Kirwan are all available. 

Should Bazeley have started Elliott instead? Probably. Maybe my suggestion that Bill got the nod because he understands French was half true. Lets see who starts on the right flank against Ukraine. Callan should be a little less nervous now after a sound 30 odd mins off the pine against the Ivorians and no major errors.

I get what you're saying but Billy T is absolutely out of shape and overweight. It clearly has been allowed at that level because that's what he is right now. This is probably why he hasn't been getting the matches you would expect.

Do Canadian hotels have outdoor pools for summer guests?

If so we need some local to put up a drone and grab some poolside shots of poor Bill to answer the "is he out of shape?" debate!

coochiee

Do Canadian hotels have outdoor pools for summer guests?

If so we need some local to put up a drone and grab some poolside shots of poor Bill to answer the "is he out of shape debate"!

it's a pretty legitimate question of a pro athlete yes.

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none of the polynesian boys wanted anything to do with this nonsense 

Great to hear a Kiwi accent on the fairways.
Critical to have Tommy in the squad for moments like this.

Great to be onsite to support Ryan Fox as he won the Canadian Open 🇳🇿🤝

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Wonder if Ben Old had any tips for Young Foxy?

imanixsupporter

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none of the polynesian boys wanted anything to do with this nonsense 

Elijah Just front and centre btw. Rufer there too…

Eli isn't Polynesian is he? I did forget about Rufer's Maori heritage

I think people should lay off making assumptions about players' fitness because their apparent body shape doesn't meet with supposed stereotypes. Fitness will be being tested properly by the staff, and not by looking at pictures of them on tv.

imanixsupporter

Some genuine morons on here commenting that BT must have played OK because we got a clean sheet. These people actually need to learn that correlation does not equal causation. I have also read comments saying that BT will be good enough defensively for the Phoenix because he plays in the MLS. I wish these people would open their eyes and actually look at what BT does on the field, rather than using fallacious logic to somehow come to the conclusion that he is playing OK/is decent. He isn't.

Way to sound like a Twit.

Having been one of the guys who made the comment about BT being part of a defensive unit I will add a little juice to my comments. I thought his passing was the weakest part of his game, however, more often than not he was looking to play a progressive pass when losing possession as opposed to simply giving it to Surman on his inside.

Defensively I think he held his shape reasonably well (certainly didn't get caught out as much as Elliott did), albeit playing quiet tucked in, probably a result of his natural instincts to play centrally. When asked to D on one to one situations he more often than not forced his opponent to recycle the ball backwards. When they did get on his outside he work hard to cut of any balls back in, or prevent drives towards the box. He also muscled up well on set pieces which we needed against their size.

BT has has a poor 24 months no doubt, but ask yourself how did he get on such a high wage... oh thats right, he was banging in free kicks and part of a fairly decent defensive line. He is having a bad spell no doubt, but good players do.

Pjanker just had a great season, coming in from the LOI and with a reputation as a gaff man... so yeah, different teams, different environments make a difference. The MLS sharks on the LOI in terms of quality... I would back a guy with his experience, at his age to be more than good enough for the A League.

Have an opinion, but don't be a knob about it.