So whose missed out... given there are a few inclusions that may have been unexpected (Thomas, Elliott, McGarry, Rogerson, Randall)
Tuiloma and Smith out - who else am I missing?
Lot of talk about Gibson not eventuating. Perhaps not the right game to integrate him? Or he’s turned it down? And Stanger perhaps considered not to have played enough with his red card or…? Which is strange as he’s a RB option too. Those were the two I immediately thought of. Hughes is probably like Gibson- no time for new players against an Aussie team? No Roux or Kirwan who were other mooted names.
Wonder if it’s 3 named due to injury cloud over Libby?carlind
AucklandPhoenix
Yep, great to have Thomas back and I just hope we see those three operating and starting in both games.
Surprised to see McGarry in there however. Coach doesn’t rate Stanger or wants him to settle with his new club?
McGarry, De Vries and Cacace is three left backs for two games too - does that mean one of the three is planned as a winger? Arguably any of the three could fit that role.
Or Libby may play a bit at LCB. He played there last year now and again for Empoli.
We have gone from 5 CBs in squads down to only 3 in this one. McGarry almost a shock inclusion. Big opportunity for him.
Be interesting to know if Roux is fit and playing pre season at CCM, and Elliott just preferred over him.
Thomas comes in a window earlier than forecast. Great stuff
The run on team will be strong. The unavailabilities are really all currently bench players.
Other than wanting to get a look at Gibson and Stanger/Hughes, I have zero complaints with this squad. Great to see Thomas back. And seeing McGarry back makes me wish the Nix got him.
At least with only 3 centrebacks it should stop people talking about wanting to see a back 5 for a while. It isn't happening people, sorry.
Would be a wee bit late in the piece to change woudn't it.imanixsupporter
Other than wanting to get a look at Gibson and Stanger/Hughes, I have zero complaints with this squad. Great to see Thomas back. And seeing McGarry back makes me wish the Nix got him.
At least with only 3 centrebacks it should stop people talking about wanting to see a back 5 for a while. It isn't happening people, sorry.
Supporting the supporters and love an away day anywhere in the world. Kiwis Can Fly!
Who knows what the feedback is really like behind the scenes, but it's an easy one where it is consistent that all those at League 1 or lower in England aren't there. Obviously harder to get them out as international window doesn't apply too.Elemenop
Good calls to not include garbett, Waine and Smith.
Smith is down the list of cbs now. Garbett needs games. And waine needs goals.
Happy to see Thomas there! He's the man! Hopefully the Aussies treat him with a bit of respect and don't come sliding in.
RB still our weak point in the starting team..
Supporting the supporters and love an away day anywhere in the world. Kiwis Can Fly!
Considering Thomas hasn’t been involved for 6 years, many of the squad will be complete strangers to him, and they will have only 1-2 trainings before the Canberra game his mins will be limited.
Better chance of a start in Auckland seems logical
Considering Thomas hasn’t been involved for 6 years, many of the squad will be complete strangers to him, and they will have only 1-2 trainings before the Canberra game his mins will be limited.
Better chance of a start in Auckland seems logical
Agreed, start Singh or McCowatt in Canberra and then start Thomas in Auckland - give him 45-60 mins
Personally I’d like to see Ryan start in both games, 45mins in oz, then maybe 60-70mins in nz if he feels his body is up to it, and I’d like Baze to start what he thinks is his strongest line up in both games even if it is only 45mins each game for Wood and Ryan. Be interesting to see what Baze does think is his strongest line up. Also was getting stick from a mate in Auckland that Nix only have two players in the squad and Auckland Four…… he didn’t like it that I pointed out 13 of them at some point have been involved with the Nix, with some moving on from the nix to bigger and better things and Auckland was yet to have a player signed from them by a bigger club
Bazeley considers Thomas to be in the same mould as Marko Stamenić, capable of playing in the double pivot at the base of midfield and further forward in a No 10 role.
“It's like a new signing, almost, which we don't get, obviously, because we're not a club team.
“Having somebody of the calibre and quality of Ryan coming back into the team is great.”
First-choice right back Tim Payne is back after being on baby watch while Bill Tuiloma drops out after suffering a hamstring strain two weekends ago, though Bazeley indicated he was on track to be fit and incumbent Callan Elliot was prefered.
With only three centre backs named, Payne will provide cover in that position as well.
James McGarry joins Liberato Cacace and Francis de Vries in the left back ranks, in a sign de Vries could be used further forward, as he was to good effect late in the loss to Ukraine.
Tricky one for me between Boxall's experience and Surman at RCB, but I think Surman's younger legs make him better suited to a back 4 that needs to cover Cacace bombing forward.
Another toss-up between Singh/Old/McCowatt/Just feeding Wood from the wide areas. I prefer Singh's and Old's ceilings but you could definitely argue for the other two based on recent output and the levels they're playing at.
Tricky one for me between Boxall's experience and Surman at RCB, but I think Surman's younger legs make him better suited to a back 4 that needs to cover Cacace bombing forward.
Another toss-up between Singh/Old/McCowatt/Just feeding Wood from the wide areas. I prefer Singh's and Old's ceilings but you could definitely argue for the other two based on recent output and the levels they're playing at.
Developing nicely and yeah I think there's potential interchange and swapping between wide forwards and AM. I always visualised the midfield as 2 x #6 holding, in recent times Stamenic and Bell, with one 10 in front of them, often Garbett sometimes Singh. With the level and experience of Thomas, however the midfield three are configured, so nice to have him start in there. Chance McCowatt strts over Singh out wide, though they offer different things and Singh cutting onto his left is tasty, or coming on later in the 10 with that rare creative spark he's got. I wonder if Tuiloma will play at right back and then it's pretty close to the starting team locked in.
Supporting the supporters and love an away day anywhere in the world. Kiwis Can Fly!
Tricky one for me between Boxall's experience and Surman at RCB, but I think Surman's younger legs make him better suited to a back 4 that needs to cover Cacace bombing forward.
Another toss-up between Singh/Old/McCowatt/Just feeding Wood from the wide areas. I prefer Singh's and Old's ceilings but you could definitely argue for the other two based on recent output and the levels they're playing at.
Developing nicely and yeah I think there's potential interchange and swapping between wide forwards and AM. I always visualised the midfield as 2 x #6 holding, in recent times Stamenic and Bell, with one 10 in front of them, often Garbett sometimes Singh. With the level and experience of Thomas, however the midfield three are configured, so nice to have him start in there. Chance McCowatt strts over Singh out wide, though they offer different things and Singh cutting onto his left is tasty, or coming on later in the 10 with that rare creative spark he's got. I wonder if Tuiloma will play at right back and then it's pretty close to the starting team locked in.
Am I missing something. Has tulimona jumped ahead of payne in the rb stakes?
Most people on this forum literally think: Tuiloma is in MLS, MLS better than A-League, therefore Tuiloma is better than Payne.
I personally don't trust Tuiloma as a defender. Never saw him have a good game defensively in white. He has plenty of other upsides to his game but would rather he wasn't in our backline for now and would be happier with Payne. Willing to change my mind if I ever see him put in a competent defensive shift for us though.
If Baze watched the Nix game last night, he might be getting worried about Payne. I am.
Tim just had an extremely poor attitude last night and negative body language- also, perhaps understandable, was non committal in some challenges.
The attitude one for me is the biggest issue that i see with him. The AWs will conceed a crap goal or three at the world cup- how we respond matters - and what dictates how we respond is culture - and culture is set by what standards you are prepared to let go. Personally i wouldn’t pick a player with that attitude- needs an old head like Danny Hay (who knows him well) to tell him to knuckle down.
Didn't see last night's 4-0 spanking, but Payne having bad body language for the Nix won't transfer to the AWs. He's maybe one guy who has not yet recovered from Chiefy "losing the dressing room" last season. Him & Kosta had a great connection, and he's likely a little sulky Barbs has gone. Plus as someone wisely observed as a new dad with all the excitement that brings, a cold pre season night out in Melbs may not have motivated him much.
But like everyone in contention for the national team, he will badly want to go to the World Cup. He'll show up for the AWs next month, knowing he has to prove himself.
Imanix is right, Tuiloma has defensive issues. Always has. He struggled against Ivory Coast. But then back in June he hadn't played a minute in the MLS this season. Rusty, and not fully match fit, especially for the high cardio full back role.
He's been in pretty good form with Charlotte of late. Their rabbit's foot. However AV's article seems to infer despite having a hammy strain, BT was actually dropped for this Sept window. An in form, fit Payne is still likely a lock in to start at the World Cup.
The smokey I reckon could be Dalton Wilkins if he can somehow put in 6 months of solid work in the Superliga without getting yet another injury. More natural I understand on the left than the right, but hey for the chance to go to the big dance I'm sure he'd happily switch sides. He's played on both flanks at Sonders.
Personally I’d like to see Ryan start in both games, 45mins in oz, then maybe 60-70mins in nz if he feels his body is up to it, and I’d like Baze to start what he thinks is his strongest line up in both games even if it is only 45mins each game for Wood and Ryan. Be interesting to see what Baze does think is his strongest line up. Also was getting stick from a mate in Auckland that Nix only have two players in the squad and Auckland Four…… he didn’t like it that I pointed out 13 of them at some point have been involved with the Nix, with some moving on from the nix to bigger and better things and Auckland was yet to have a player signed from them by a bigger club
You can tell your mate that you were conservative with your count, and that it is actually 15. 😊
Also in the squad are Wellington Phoenix pair Tim Payne and Alex Rufer, Western Sydney Wanderers attacker Kosta Barbarouses and Brisbane Roar defender James McGarry.
McGarry, who recently joined the Roar from Aberdeen, felt he was playing his “best football” under Brisbane coach Michael Valkanis.
“As a result of this, I am honoured to get the call-up to represent New Zealand next month,” the 27-year-old left-back said.
I think as well with Payne- it might not be intentional! He’s been a great pro. But it’s his first hit out. He might not be at top clip and Heidelberg absolutely were. He might be sleep deprived etc.
If he’s not performing at his best I don’t think he’s doing it on purpose!
I’d also say that Cleevers the ref did us less than zero favours last night and they were very physical. Not necessarily ideal for your first pre-season game.
All that said, I thought he let himself down given his experience and seniority. He could have protected possession better and kept the pressure off a little better.
Also in the squad are Wellington Phoenix pair Tim Payne and Alex Rufer, Western Sydney Wanderers attacker Kosta Barbarouses and Brisbane Roar defender James McGarry.
McGarry, who recently joined the Roar from Aberdeen, felt he was playing his “best football” under Brisbane coach Michael Valkanis.
“As a result of this, I am honoured to get the call-up to represent New Zealand next month,” the 27-year-old left-back said.
Supporting the supporters and love an away day anywhere in the world. Kiwis Can Fly!
So which team is better, the 2010 world cup team, or our like 2026 team?
I have highlighted who I think makes the team - using a 5 - 3 - 2 line up and looking at the players at the time of their age, not what they would become. MLS Boxall over Reid pre PL stint Elliot at the NIX in 2010, not Fulham etc.
Paston Crocombe Reid Boxall Smith Surman Nelsen Bindon Lochead Carcace Bertos Payne Vicelich Bell Elliott Stamenic Killen Thomas Fallon Wood Smeltz McCowatt
Lot more black in the current squad... bodes well, but I think the influence of Nelsen etc would be very hard to replicate for anyone. How much better did a guy like him make the team, and can Wood etc have the same effect?
So which team is better, the 2010 world cup team, or our like 2026 team?
I have highlighted who I think makes the team - using a 5 - 3 - 2 line up and looking at the players at the time of their age, not what they would become. MLS Boxall over Reid pre PL stint Elliot at the NIX in 2010, not Fulham etc.
Paston Crocombe Reid Boxall Smith Surman Nelsen Bindon Lochead Carcace Bertos Payne Vicelich Bell Elliott Stamenic Killen Thomas Fallon Wood Smeltz McCowatt
Lot more black in the current squad... bodes well, but I think the influence of Nelsen etc would be very hard to replicate for anyone. How much better did a guy like him make the team, and can Wood etc have the same effect?
So which team is better, the 2010 world cup team, or our like 2026 team?
I have highlighted who I think makes the team - using a 5 - 3 - 2 line up and looking at the players at the time of their age, not what they would become. MLS Boxall over Reid pre PL stint Elliot at the NIX in 2010, not Fulham etc.
Paston Crocombe Reid Boxall Smith Surman Nelsen Bindon Lochead Carcace Bertos Payne Vicelich Bell Elliott Stamenic Killen Thomas Fallon Wood Smeltz McCowatt
Lot more black in the current squad... bodes well, but I think the influence of Nelsen etc would be very hard to replicate for anyone. How much better did a guy like him make the team, and can Wood etc have the same effect?
I'd probs have Surman over Smith
How have you not picked Reid? Remember his world cup goal? He was solid as even then.
our top lineup is a match to Aussie now. But it's the depth below - they have way more... we are bringing on young A league guys or people with no goals in League 2 - while they are bringing on Scottish prem + Championship level players.
