Payne is currently the best NZ/AUS CB in our squad, despite any form dips.
Important to remember that despite a form dip, or more noticeable errors, he was against a much better team outside a CB who isn’t starting at his club and with Sail a bit iffy with his feet.
For example for the third goal he was out of position, but I don’t think it was his fault as he’d got well forward, I think it was Bell who lost the ball and it was just too far for him to get back.
I can’t say I’d be overjoyed at him as a starting RB, but if he’s not being asked to push forward as much and has two high quality CBs inside, plus Paulsen who has been sold as a sweeper keeper who’s strong with his feet, and a dedicated DM screening the back 4, in the A league, after a full pre-season perhaps we can look at it differently.
Just to play devil’s advocate considering his form in the A league at CB hasn’t been terrible.
The guys who shone against Sweden, Costa Rica and Peru are on much better contracts in better leagues and this is the tight-rope we’re walking I guess.
To consider as well how we’d have felt about Roux or McGarry as our starters at the beginning of the season. A lot is down to the coach and the role.
Important to remember that despite a form dip, or more noticeable errors, he was against a much better team outside a CB who isn’t starting at his club and with Sail a bit iffy with his feet.
For example for the third goal he was out of position, but I don’t think it was his fault as he’d got well forward, I think it was Bell who lost the ball and it was just too far for him to get back.
I can’t say I’d be overjoyed at him as a starting RB, but if he’s not being asked to push forward as much and has two high quality CBs inside, plus Paulsen who has been sold as a sweeper keeper who’s strong with his feet, and a dedicated DM screening the back 4, in the A league, after a full pre-season perhaps we can look at it differently.
Just to play devil’s advocate considering his form in the A league at CB hasn’t been terrible.
The guys who shone against Sweden, Costa Rica and Peru are on much better contracts in better leagues and this is the tight-rope we’re walking I guess.
To consider as well how we’d have felt about Roux or McGarry as our starters at the beginning of the season. A lot is down to the coach and the role.