Its a fair article by Holloway.
There is no doubt of the class of Ramon and his tactical ability. I did advocate him for a shared AW role with Emblen. I think that while he is good for NZ football, he needs to produce that with NZ footballers and I think the fact that he does not have many shows that the style he wants to play, can't be produced by Kiwis at that level or he would have more faith in them. 7 non NZ eligible players starting and I think another 3 on the bench.
Holloway is right that the back 4 is quality. Billen looks better there than in midfield cause he only has to play one way and his pace is not exposed as much, but in an A League, thats your 4 imports (its 5 this year but next is 4). You then have to gas Tavano, Kim, Tade, Dordevic, Moriera and Issa.... I think if you replace them with NZ/Aussies of lessor quality, can he get them to produce the same football? That import quota would not get out of first gear in the HAL. To compare apples with apples, you need it to be on the same playing field. You can argue that the Phoenix have their imports and the mix for Kiwis (Moss, Fenton/Doyle, Sigmund and McGlinchey are the 4 Kiwis usually starting) is not flash but if you want to make the comparison fair, you have to start on a level playing field from a squad quota perspective. That would make it interesting.
Awaits some stupid rant from BM...