Matthew Dibley-Dias (Fulham FC | England)

Don't really see a problem. They are just friendlies so he won't be cap tied. I understand some of his Mum's family live in NZ, so he will feel some connection to NZ.

Hopefully that connection will feel stronger, being around other young very promising AWs players like Stamenic. Plus up & close to a long time EPL player in Wood. He's never been part of the NZ football system ever, so it will currently all be an unknown to him. Hopefully he comes away from the October camp wanting to be amongst this promising young squad long term, with a look towards the Olympics & 2026. 

It's only 1 window (well 2 if you include presumably the Nov one as well), 2.5 years out from the WC. So if he later decides he'd rather try Brazil, Portugal or England, no great loss. Plus this Oct window the AWs could be without both an injured Thomas & Garbett. Lewis & Rufer questionable with ALM starting only a few days later. So they may need an extra midfielder.

A pleased Matt told fulhamfc.com: "It’s a great opportunity for me to play against senior level players and it can help give me a platform to perform against First Team opponents.

"Hopefully it will help open more doors for me and I’m just looking forward to seeing what it’s like."

imanixsupporter

"Although being given the New Zealand call-up, the youngster hasn't declared himself to any country as of yet."

What's this supposed to mean? He'll just be joining the camp but won't play to limit other options? 

Both games are friendlies so he can play without becoming cap tied to us.

While he still has his international options open to him, this is awesome news. Hopefully the camp is professionally run and we are competitive in both friendlies and it’s a positive experience. After that who knows? 

Next up Bindon.

🎣

Absolutely over the moon with this one, but yes, there is still work to do - Run a good camp, integrate him into the fold, get some bloody good players around him and hopefully he just laps it up and keeps coming back.

Mr Bazeley, you do need to work on your poker face though! 😂

Well done YoungH, you were on the money with your intel.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/132992992/all-whites-secure-promising-fulham-midfielder-matt-dibleydias-for-october-friendlies

Dibley-Dias has largely played as a No 6 at the base of a midfield trio for the Fulham under-21s this season, a role Joe Bell occupies for the All Whites, though he could play further forward as a No 8, like Matt Garbett and Marko Stamenic have in New Zealand’s recent matches.

The full All Whites squad for October’s friendlies is expected to be announced next week, with Wood in line to play his first matches this year after being absent due to injury in March and June, and Sarpreet Singh set to be involved for the first time since January 2022.

Former Football Ferns coach Tony Readings was announced this week as a full-time assistant to Bazeley for the 2026 World Cup cycle. He will be joined by Elliott, who will remain a part-time assistant based in California, where he is director of coaching at Davis Legacy Soccer Club.

Wellington Phoenix head of youth development Rory Fallon is set to no longer be involved in the immediate future, though Bazeley was hopeful of finding ways for him to contribute as a position coach down the line. Glen Moss remains the first-choice goalkeeping coach and talks are ongoing with A-League Men club Macarthur FC, where he holds the same role, about his availability.

coochiee

Well done YoungH, you were on the money with your intel.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/132992992/all-whites-secure-promising-fulham-midfielder-matt-dibleydias-for-october-friendlies

Dibley-Dias has largely played as a No 6 at the base of a midfield trio for the Fulham under-21s this season, a role Joe Bell occupies for the All Whites, though he could play further forward as a No 8, like Matt Garbett and Marko Stamenic have in New Zealand’s recent matches.

The full All Whites squad for October’s friendlies is expected to be announced next week, with Wood in line to play his first matches this year after being absent due to injury in March and June, and Sarpreet Singh set to be involved for the first time since January 2022.

Former Football Ferns coach Tony Readings was announced this week as a full-time assistant to Bazeley for the 2026 World Cup cycle. He will be joined by Elliott, who will remain a part-time assistant based in California, where he is director of coaching at Davis Legacy Soccer Club.

Wellington Phoenix head of youth development Rory Fallon is set to no longer be involved in the immediate future, though Bazeley was hopeful of finding ways for him to contribute as a position coach down the line. Glen Moss remains the first-choice goalkeeping coach and talks are ongoing with A-League Men club Macarthur FC, where he holds the same role, about his availability.

🫡 
I am a river to my people. 

Dibley-Dias starts, captains and scores for Fulham in a dominant 3-0 PL2 win against West Brom.

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WBA also with a couple senior players (Chalobah and Pipa) starting.

What are the rules if he decides to 'try' another country? I thought the rules had been strengthened and you could still only switch once after you'd played for a National Team?
Great news for NZF, but until he's full cap tied (and possibly beyond that given his potential ability to switch) let's not count our chickens.

Hopefully being a shoe in for each WC from now on and being a likely starter for NZ sweetens the deal. Brazil and Portgual would be massive nuts to crack

newzealandpower

What are the rules if he decides to 'try' another country? I thought the rules had been strengthened and you could still only switch once after you'd played for a National Team?
Great news for NZF, but until he's full cap tied (and possibly beyond that given his potential ability to switch) let's not count our chickens.

Hopefully being a shoe in for each WC from now on and being a likely starter for NZ sweetens the deal. Brazil and Portgual would be massive nuts to crack

“If a player was eligible to play for multiple nations prior to making a competitive appearance, they are cap-tied to a nation after playing more than three matches for one national team, including at least one competitive appearance (if the player is under 21 at the time, no matter the level of competition, as long as they have not played in the finals of a major tournament), or after making a competitive appearance (if the player is over 21 at the time and the appearance is for the senior team).”

Basically over 21 = 1 competitive game

Under 21 = 3 games, including 1 competitive

newzealandpower

What are the rules if he decides to 'try' another country? I thought the rules had been strengthened and you could still only switch once after you'd played for a National Team?
Great news for NZF, but until he's full cap tied (and possibly beyond that given his potential ability to switch) let's not count our chickens.

Hopefully being a shoe in for each WC from now on and being a likely starter for NZ sweetens the deal. Brazil and Portgual would be massive nuts to crack

I love how you left out England as an option at the end there.
They're pish! 😂

A few quick serious points though.

I think the best thing about his selection is that we're enough of a pull for him to accept a call up, and in that respect at least we have a horse in the race. 

Young Dibley-Dias is an aspirational young player who's made no secret of his desire to play for Brazil in the past (maybe others, but the interview I've seen specifically talks about Brazil) - It takes some serious balls to come out and make a statement like that, but again it's a smart move from the youngin' too. A proper player who is now on a long term deal at a Premier League club, combined with living in the age of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook etc etc - Like I said, it's a bold statement, but it puts you on the radar. He might be down the pecking order for all other options, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's on a few lists. As far as I know as well he hasn't been tapped up by any other options, so we might be clear for a wee while yet!

Finally, you've got a guy who is aspiring to Premier League level in the future, and we've got Chris Wood in the same squad who boasts over 200 appearances at that level to go with combined total transfer fees over his career in excess of £60-70 million. It wouldn't surprise me if Bazeley decides to sidle those two up together. I could certainly think of worse mentors at club/international level, and if it helps pull Dibley-Dias into the NZ fold even more then I'm all for that. 🙏

Dibley-Dias's grandfather also played for one of the big clubs in Brazil. I forget which. But obviously his family have a strong connection to Brazilian football, so yeah understandable young Matt dreams of the Seleção. I have no problem with him keeping his options open, as long as he's open & honest with Bazeley & NZF. 

I'd room him with Stamenic. Similar age, and a great example that you can play on the biggest club stage (UCL) through a NZ pathway.

But yeah from listening to the great Between 2 Beers chat with Chris Wood, it's clear in AWs camps captain Woodsman likes to move around the dining tables talking to the whole squad individually, sharing some wisdom & encouragement no doubt.

We are in this uncomfortable position of seeing NZF make some really good decisions 😬

That's a hit and a half.

Missing from the PL2 squad overnight as Fulham get turned over for the first time this season in a 3-1 home defeat.

Screenshot_2023-10-01-00-28-37-52_955f68c4df44ad6a86e46b05cf65099a.jpg 158.1 KB

Came off at about the hour mark last time out in their 3-0 win over WBA. 

Possible elevation back to the first team fold? I do recall that he went down after scoring that rocket too. Hopefully nothing sinister. 🤞

😬😬😬
Eeeek, as suspected he is carrying a knock, but will hopefully be back to training next week. 🤞

Still set for departure to Spain next week too, so looking more promising on that front. Sounds like it's more of a niggly injury rather than anything more serious.

Last thing we need though right now is more injuries...

It sounds like the injury picked up during the international window was more serious than first thought.

Unfortunately I'm hearing he'll be out of action for a few months...

YoungHeartHM

It sounds like the injury picked up during the international window was more serious than first thought.

Unfortunately I'm hearing he'll be out of action for a few months...

Hopefully not Henry Cameron Mk II 

Rusty Dunks

YoungHeartHM

It sounds like the injury picked up during the international window was more serious than first thought.

Unfortunately I'm hearing he'll be out of action for a few months...

Hopefully not Henry Cameron Mk II 

Nahhhh don’t even put that into the universe.

Sounds like Dibs has a hammy injury though which hopefully won’t have long term effects.

Friar Tuck

Rusty Dunks

YoungHeartHM

It sounds like the injury picked up during the international window was more serious than first thought.

Unfortunately I'm hearing he'll be out of action for a few months...

Hopefully not Henry Cameron Mk II 

Nahhhh don’t even put that into the universe.

Sounds like Dibs has a hammy injury though which hopefully won’t have long term effects.

He had surgery the other night. 🤕

YoungHeartHM

Friar Tuck

Rusty Dunks

YoungHeartHM

It sounds like the injury picked up during the international window was more serious than first thought.

Unfortunately I'm hearing he'll be out of action for a few months...

Hopefully not Henry Cameron Mk II 

Nahhhh don’t even put that into the universe.

Sounds like Dibs has a hammy injury though which hopefully won’t have long term effects.

He had surgery the other night. 🤕

Oof

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👀

Back for the U21's for the first time in three months after a long injury layoff.

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He takes his place on the bench to start back as Fulham go up against Liverpool in the PL2.

Came on for a 20 minute cameo and picked up a yellow for his troubles

Plays the first half for the u21s in a 1-1 draw with burnley u21 

Smeltz4PM

Plays the first half for the u21s in a 1-1 draw with burnley u21 

Hopefully fit enough to be in contention for AWs in March.
Had a quick look and no Marley Leuluai for Burnley U21s.

Proper London accent. '....physios let me return home to Brazil for a bit....'
Hopefully he's never good enough for the  Seleção

Back and ready to make an impact! 💥

Matt Dibley-Dias discusses injury struggles and PL2 motivation. 🇳🇿

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) February 9, 2024

coochiee

Proper London accent. '....physios let me return home to Brazil for a bit....'
Hopefully he's never good enough for the  Seleção

Back and ready to make an impact! 💥

Matt Dibley-Dias discusses injury struggles and PL2 motivation. 🇳🇿

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) February 9, 2024

Nice of Fulham to use the New Zealand flag though. 🤌

Another goal for Fulham U21s. 3-0 win over West Ham U21s.

Matt Dibley-Dias on the score-sheet for Fulham under-21's ...https://t.co/iGYK3wkQuJ

— Jason Pine (@pineynz) March 8, 2024

It's good that he's doing well there but the better U21 players are usually loaned out to lower clubs like Wood was back in the day. He needs to get to out and into men's footie ASAP 

Being stuck in the U21s here in Blighty is often the end of the road for many, even if captain or regular starter. Chris James is a prime example (had the talent, not so sure about the mentality). 

I work with guys who played for Brentford, Chelsea, Tottenham, Reading and Fulham U21s, all good footballers who failed to make the grade. They make a great company Goals team!

Marto

It's good that he's doing well there but the better U21 players are usually loaned out to lower clubs like Wood was back in the day. He needs to get to out and into men's footie ASAP 

Being stuck in the U21s here in Blighty is often the end of the road for many, even if captain or regular starter. Chris James is a prime example (had the talent, not so sure about the mentality). 

I work with guys who played for Brentford, Chelsea, Tottenham, Reading and Fulham U21s, all good footballers who failed to make the grade. They make a great company Goals team!

Hopefully we will see that for next season. 🤞

Fulham's plan was to look to have him loaned out this season. Unfortunately his hamstring injury and subsequent surgery scuppered those plans. But it's in the pipeline for next campaign I believe.

Tricky one for the club I guess. Went on USA pre season tour with the senior team, and then good enough to be in a couple of early season EPL match day squads.

But then gets injured in camp with the AWs, a (hammy?) injury that needed surgery. I guess by staying with a well resourced EPL club he has access to world class medical rehab stuff every day, as he makes his comeback. If he goes out on loan to a L1 club or whatever he doesn't have that.

But yeah the gist of what you are saying is right. For next season likely time for a loan somewhere.

coochiee

Tricky one for the club I guess. Went on USA pre season tour with the senior team, and then good enough to be in a couple of early season EPL match day squads.

But then gets injured in camp with the AWs, a (hammy?) injury that needed surgery. I guess by staying with a well resourced EPL club he has access to world class medical rehab stuff every day, as he makes his comeback. If he goes out on loan to a L1 club or whatever he doesn't have that.

But yeah the gist of what you are saying is right. For next season likely time for a loan somewhere.

Pretty much exactly that. Fulham wanted to monitor his progress after the injury in terms of minutes/appearances etc with the reserves as well so the loan option was taken off the table (although I'm pretty sure he came back after the window shut anyway, so will check that).

Anyway, he's on a long term deal and he's shown he's pretty much 'graduated' from the youth and reserve team setups. 2024/25 should see another pre season camp, and from there I would imagine Fulham will assess suitable loan moves. 

For what it's worth, he travelled to Alicante for the 🇦🇺 & 🇨🇩 fixtures (prior to injury) alongside one Tyler Bindon.

Hopefully Tyler's had a nice softly spoken word with him about where he sees his international future. 😉

As long as Fulham agree to let him leaving pre season for 2-3 weeks, Dibley-Dias would be mad to turn down an Olywhites & Paris invitation from Bazeley. Big shop window after all.

After that, hopefully he feels fully Kiwi, and onboard for the long run. All those hakas in the team village. Until then, can see him bypassing June's Nations Cup, just to give himself a bit more time.

Maybe not a bad thing he misses that if it's a bit OFC amateur hour in Samoa. Might think he's made a mistake.