Jeff, (and we know we can't call you sonny right:)) am I right it saying you and I both absolutely agree that by Lia's personal standards he has been less substandard than usual? The only reason he starts seems to be because Ernie wont change too many in the starting line up at once which is exasperating but probably correct. I'm also assuming you and I both know that Lia wouldn't make any other A league side, and many State sides for that matter.
Shininury? Ohno!!! was nice.
At the start of the season, I was adamant that what we had in Manny and Lia would get exposed. We then signed Riera whom to me, doesn't give anything that Manny or Lia do not and then Hicks whom is not really a DM.
My opinion has changed a little I think. The first 3 games in, I thought Lia was decidedly average. It was then pointed out about some things Lia was doing and in Game 4, I decided to pay particular attention to him e.g, what kind of pass he received and how many opponents were on him and that was actually an interesting exercise. I think in games 4, 5, and 6, he has been better than the 1st 3 and also at any stage of last season. His form doesn't make me go 'Our DM spot is solved' but I see more from him than I anticipated. On the basis that the guy is performing, I don't see why there is calls to drop him when the alternative (Riera) does not bring anything different than Lia. Riera passes sideways or backwards and doesn't really like a tackle ala Manny. So on that basis, I am happy for Lia to stay in there in part because he is 'performing' and the alternatives are not any better. I do think the club needs to keep searching for upgrades because we wont go up a level with him still there.
I think Lia may start in a couple of other sides but you are really only talking the likes of the teams that play similar to us (e.g. not CCM, Roar, WSW, Victory)