"Debate rages over future of young star Rojas
SAM WORTHINGTON Last updated 05:00 12/02/2011
Wynton
Rufer is urging him to stay in Wellington, Brisbane Roar are planning
to pounce, the Phoenix have made their offer and Marco Rojas just wants
to play football.
The 19-year-old from Hamilton still helps out
with the goalposts at training but is already one of the club's best
players after a breakthrough A-League campaign.
Rojas comes off
contract at the end of the season but the exciting midfielder didn't
want to discuss his future this week as he focuses on the Phoenix's
playoff tilt.
He is yet to sit down with father Roddy � who
doubles as his agent � and have a serious discussion but the vultures
are beginning to circle, including league leaders Brisbane.
Oceania
footballer of the century Rufer has a long association with Rojas, who
joined his Wynrs academy in 2003, and rang Roddy urging them to re-sign
with Wellington and continue his development.
"He'd be very foolish if he moved on," said Rufer, who played for 15 years in Germany, England, Switzerland and Japan.
"I
told his dad, `you've got to sign for another year'. It's hard for
them, the son is a bit of a superstar and you've got clubs knocking on
his door. Just stay calm and sign for another year."
Rufer
believed up to four A-League clubs were interested and that Rojas �
estimated to be on about $50,000 at Wellington � could command a price
tag of up to $300,000.
But Rufer didn't think he was ready to
play overseas. "He's only had a few games and to be honest, the level
here is about three levels less than overseas.
"It's difficult �
the media [and] people only see one game and then get excited. Marco
went for trials in Germany three years ago with my son and they didn't
even get a look-in."
Rufer had concerns over Rojas' size (1.68m,
63kg), saying only the truly exceptional � think Lionel Messi � could
thrive in Europe with such a small physique.
And while Rojas'
speed and dribbling ability were tormenting A-League defenders, Europe
was a completely different kettle of fish.
"The game over there
is one and two touch. I think it would be very difficult for Marco to
survive in that game. The defenders are not smart in the A-League and
they ball watch."
Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglu has form in
pinching Phoenix talent. Kosta Barbarouses was warming the bench in
Wellington but Postecoglu saw something and has helped mould him into
one of the league's premier strikers.
Ad Feedback Rojas would
fit nicely into Brisbane's fluid, attractive style and Postecoglu plans
to table an offer at the end of the season.
"When the time is
right, we'll make contact with Wellington and get permission to speak to
the boy and see whether he likes the option of coming to us,"
Postecoglu said.
"He's been fantastic since breaking into the first team and he looks a very exciting player."
Postecoglu also believed Rojas needed at least two more A-League seasons under his belt before having a crack in Europe.
"The
easy bit for any young player is when they first break in because
there's no pressure, no expectations, and oppositions give you a little
bit more freedom.
"That's the track record of the A-League � guys that left after their first year haven't had a great success rate overseas."
Phoenix
chief executive Nathan Greenham said there was a firm offer in front of
the Rojas camp and denied they were lowballing the youngster.
"We're hopeful of retaining Marco, we think we've made a fair and reasonable offer so we've just got our fingers crossed."
- The Dominion Post
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/4649225/Debate-rages-over-future-of-young-star-Rojas"
"Debate rages over future of young star Rojas
SAM WORTHINGTON Last updated 05:00 12/02/2011
Wynton
Rufer is urging him to stay in Wellington, Brisbane Roar are planning
to pounce, the Phoenix have made their offer and Marco Rojas just wants
to play football.
The 19-year-old from Hamilton still helps out
with the goalposts at training but is already one of the club's best
players after a breakthrough A-League campaign.
Rojas comes off
contract at the end of the season but the exciting midfielder didn't
want to discuss his future this week as he focuses on the Phoenix's
playoff tilt.
He is yet to sit down with father Roddy � who
doubles as his agent � and have a serious discussion but the vultures
are beginning to circle, including league leaders Brisbane.
Oceania
footballer of the century Rufer has a long association with Rojas, who
joined his Wynrs academy in 2003, and rang Roddy urging them to re-sign
with Wellington and continue his development.
"He'd be very foolish if he moved on," said Rufer, who played for 15 years in Germany, England, Switzerland and Japan.
"I
told his dad, `you've got to sign for another year'. It's hard for
them, the son is a bit of a superstar and you've got clubs knocking on
his door. Just stay calm and sign for another year."
Rufer
believed up to four A-League clubs were interested and that Rojas �
estimated to be on about $50,000 at Wellington � could command a price
tag of up to $300,000.
But Rufer didn't think he was ready to
play overseas. "He's only had a few games and to be honest, the level
here is about three levels less than overseas.
"It's difficult �
the media [and] people only see one game and then get excited. Marco
went for trials in Germany three years ago with my son and they didn't
even get a look-in."
Rufer had concerns over Rojas' size (1.68m,
63kg), saying only the truly exceptional � think Lionel Messi � could
thrive in Europe with such a small physique.
And while Rojas'
speed and dribbling ability were tormenting A-League defenders, Europe
was a completely different kettle of fish.
"The game over there
is one and two touch. I think it would be very difficult for Marco to
survive in that game. The defenders are not smart in the A-League and
they ball watch."
Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglu has form in
pinching Phoenix talent. Kosta Barbarouses was warming the bench in
Wellington but Postecoglu saw something and has helped mould him into
one of the league's premier strikers.
Ad Feedback Rojas would
fit nicely into Brisbane's fluid, attractive style and Postecoglu plans
to table an offer at the end of the season.
"When the time is
right, we'll make contact with Wellington and get permission to speak to
the boy and see whether he likes the option of coming to us,"
Postecoglu said.
"He's been fantastic since breaking into the first team and he looks a very exciting player."
Postecoglu also believed Rojas needed at least two more A-League seasons under his belt before having a crack in Europe.
"The
easy bit for any young player is when they first break in because
there's no pressure, no expectations, and oppositions give you a little
bit more freedom.
"That's the track record of the A-League � guys that left after their first year haven't had a great success rate overseas."
Phoenix
chief executive Nathan Greenham said there was a firm offer in front of
the Rojas camp and denied they were lowballing the youngster.
"We're hopeful of retaining Marco, we think we've made a fair and reasonable offer so we've just got our fingers crossed."
- The Dominion Post
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/4649225/Debate-rages-over-future-of-young-star-Rojas"