Asian Player Pool a Ready Solution to Player Drain
Asian Player Pool a Ready Solution to Player Drain
Interesting Article by Lee Cockerill at the SMH. Not sure how many people are up to speed with the South East Asian leagues, but they have been given a bit of a wrap here:
I think that a lot of the things that guy points out in his article are reasons why SE Asian players aren't being brought in.
1. They are already well paid, so expensive.
2. They won't speak the language, and effectively need babysitting, as to an extent do al overseas players but i's a lot easier to bring in a guy who speaks english or has played in a more western country.
3. These leagues aren't that strong, neither are the national teams. So ultimately it is going to be a gamble bringing them into what is a physical league, when their skills are more technical. Thailand and Indonesia are well in the 120+ area of the FIFA rankings
Will be very interesting to see how the Thai guy goes for Adelaide.
I think the article is very good in the fact that it actually interviews a western coach working in the SE leagues, as opposed to the journalist just randomly quoting semi-famous players from the region (which is normally the case). He mentions that the FFA needs to bring in the AFC's 3+1 rule, but aren't we allowed 5 imports next year anyway? I think that there are definitely opportunities for clubs to pick up players but, as to regards to the 'babysitting' aspect, I think that we'd be very unlikely to get someone over here to Wellington due to the weather. The Fury, Roar and Perth are probably all looking like more viable options. Thoughts?