As an aside, has anyone pulled the TW keeper Scott whathisfunnyname aside and told him 'You could be the Phoenix keeper if you got your ass in shape"
Seems to me like a missed opportunity for him and for the Phoenix
Interesting you mention this, I heard a very similar comment over the weekend too.
From what I've seen of Basalaj over the last couple of years, he's definitely howler-prone every once in a while, and isn't all that flash with ball at his feet and his distribution. Now admittedly, that latter part may not be a priority for Rudan the way it was for DK, but I think it basically bolis down to if Tando isn't good enough for Rudan, then Basalaj isn't either. And since you've got two other Kiwi keepers on the books already, you don't really need another back up (and not sure that Basalaj would be keen on that type of role anyway, especially given the carrot of CWC in December).
I reckon he needs to find himself a European gig. He has the necessary papers. Obviously for this to happen he needs to trim down and show something good at the CWC, then line up some good trials and prove that he's good enough. It's a pity that he wasn't able to prolong his stay in Scotland where he was a backup SPL keeper. Who knows, he may have become a starting SPL keeper by now
This is useful insight into where Basalaj is at: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/domestic/103921091/club-world-cup-dream-set-to-become-reality-for-team-wellingtons-amateur-players