Personally I think Costa is up to the task of playing for the Phoenix reasonably regularly.
As I've said before, many people say he doesn't have experience and, because of that, he shouldn't play. That doesn't cut it with me. He clearly has enough skill to be playing and you can't get experience at that level without playing so they should let him play.
As I've said before, many people say he doesn't have experience and, because of that, he shouldn't play. That doesn't cut it with me. He clearly has enough skill to be playing and you can't get experience at that level without playing so they should let him play.
Thrust him in too early and he could have his confidence shot for the next few years. I think Ricki sees that. (we saw at the U17 world cup that he didn't really handle it too well. not really that suprising, though)
No player in the league as young as Costa held down a starting spot last season. Australian players have much better development, as well. (our players seem to be a couple of years behind them it seems) I really do hope he gets much more game time but the pressure should not be placed on his shoulders just yet.
I don't think Smeltz will score as many as he did last season. (will be more tightly watched) Gao has a few in him, Bertos doesn't, Daniel might. A good striker is vital and I don't think anyone can dispute that. It's not being negative saying that - it's being realistic. Saying that everything is fine and dandy when we haven't even heard about the strikers we might be signing (apart from the fact it's probably going to be a current A-League striker like Kwasnik) is a bit silly. Just because you question our approach to finding strikers doesn't mean you are a pessimistic sod who hates the club.
I'm sure they have some kind of a plan - the question still stands, though - will it be good enough? Will a striker like, say, Kwasnik really help us that much? Barely an improvement over someone like Brownlie in my opinion.
If the Porter deal went through like planned we wouldn't be having this argument. But oh well - that's football!
Though to be honest right back probably worries me more than striker. (though it's a common problem for most clubs it seems)
valeo2008-06-10 00:55:53