I think the number of u20's in the squad is a surprise for the reason that Hudson has said this Olympic Team is likely to be his shadow All Whites. While the u20's were credible at the recent tournament there are a few of them that I don't think have the physical maturity or tactical awareness to play at this higher level right now.
There is a big difference between playing against a bunch of 18-20 year olds at home and playing against 20-23 year olds away.
If the pitches become like what they did after the Honiara campaign with so many games in a condensed period the games will rely more on goal poaches and ball winners rather than quick technical players. So I can see why, in addition to club reasons, Thomas and Boyd weren't selected.
How Dyer makes the team is beyond me. He was the weakest player at the u20 tournament. Gives the ball away, plays back into congested areas rather than using his body to open out etc etc. If he is starting I will be concerned.
For the last Olympic cycle we had Wood, Rojas. Kosta, Smith etc. This team will have comparable players to Kosta and Smith in Thomas (assuming we qualify) and Tuiloma but we really are missing a dynamic 10 and strong 9.
Hudson has talked about a lack of players aged 25-30. It looks like he is saying the same for our 20-23 year olds..,
though if I recall In the Solomons the New Caledonians beat us by playing triangles and 1-2s up front and we just booted the ball long all day for no return.
Does Hudson know what he's walking into? Also, some suggestion that we have screwed ourselves up by voting against Blatter.
I'd say no. See lastest News item: All Whites Coach Shocked by Facilities..." I don't like the look of this myself tbh. Without Thomas, Boyd & a coupla others who can perform to a decent level, it's got all the makings of another fudging Honiara horror.