WPM 2024/25 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

I don't know about Salas. We have only seen a couple of glimpses of his being a fantastic visa player. 

Mainland FC

martinb

No one has mentioned Rufer either! 

I thought he had a very good game, and a good season.  Matured through the experience.

Does he have any Swiss passport or visa allowances? And he’s an All White too. I was thinking that he might be considered a ready to go player. Fill a gap in a squad type player. Rather than buying as investment. 

I think we have enough quality in the youth, to handle our better youth moving on.
Hughes at CB looks good to go at this level and OVH has come along well, and could play a bigger role if Old leaves etc.

Paulsen and Rufer harder to replace IMO if they were to go. I don't see Duncan playig out the same way - and we don't have anyone really like Rufer in the squad who could step into his place. Conchie/Pennington/Salas etc are not the same type of player.

Fully expecting Pennington to be snapped up by an Aussie club, a la Piscopo. He's another that has taken a big step up this season and it wouldn't surprise me to see an Aussie team reward that more than we're able to.

I’ve been impressed by Salas tbh. 

He showed his class when subbed on last night. Won the ball a few times and provided much needed energy along with a bit of flair.

Salas is fantastic but somewhat surplus to requirements, he doesn't improve the squad enough to justify the wages we would need to pay to keep him.

Pennington could very well go to an Australian A-League side, it would be a loss but in al-Taay & Rufer we have a strong core to build a midfield around.

I'd be almost surprised to keep any of Kosta, Kraev & Zawada. If any of them re-signs that's great, but as a fanbase we should be prepared for the possibility that they all go. Hopefully we do keep Kosta, and we will need one attacking signing that is better than say van Hattum on top of that. 

We can cope with the loss of Surman & Old, but I hope we keep Paulsen for one more season. And I think it may be premature for him to make a move right now anyway, so would be a win-win. Hughes can slot in for Surman and our back 5 will be just fine. 

I just think that Ben Waine was snapped up so quickly by Plymouth when he showed a glimpse of talent at an U23 age. You can't tell me that Old, Surman and Paulsen haven't showed double+ that talent this year. If they are legal workers in the UK then they're gone. It'll bring in much needed income into the club.

Again I don't want it to happen but I'm certain it will.

Salas is a good player. But he clearly doesn't have the massive amount of tactical training that you get from going through an academy. Therefore he can never be considered as a DM. He's a Full back or an AM. He's fast though, he has good vision, he can dribble.

Why do we think Salas would be expensive? He said he got a pay increase when he came here.

Ryan

Why do we think Salas would be expensive? He said he got a pay increase when he came here.

no idea, I reckon he'd be a reasonably cheap buut effective import to cover RB and some of the central mid roles, clearly Ball is gonna be played as an attacking mid more now so he and Salas can share that role.

I think we will be able to cope with most player losses provided we aren't stripped bare. I think we've seen throughout the season that despite our young playing group, there is a second group of players that are the same age or younger which are nearly ready to step up. Players like GSR, LKH, Hughes, Sheridan, Van Hattum and Supyk have all shown glimpses of potential. No one gave most of our current starting lineup a hope in hell of performing like they have - who is to say the next crop can't. 

I think we can definitely still have a good team next year even if we lost several players. At the very least it will be fun seeing a new group of kiwis coming through!

I think the one loss that would hurt us the most would be Chiefy. I am quite concerned he will leave after next year, I just hope that we've won some silverware by then.

Rufer is worth his weight in Gold in my opinion. The central DM/playmaker must have an inate knowledge of the game and vision. Rufer has it. To me he's a classic Italian "Mediano", if you don't have half of Southern Europe after his signature, I'd be surprised. 

Trying to find a decent angle of Zawada’s celebration last night - he pointed to the ground then blew kisses to the crowd. Trying not to get ahead of myself but that could mean he’s keen to stay… 

Also, looking at his career over the years; this has been his most successful spell at a club too. He might be hesitant to join a completely new environment

kungfu panda

Rufer is worth his weight in Gold in my opinion. The central DM/playmaker must have an inate knowledge of the game and vision. Rufer has it. To me he's a classic Italian "Mediano", if you don't have half of Southern Europe after his signature, I'd be surprised. 

I love Rufer and he is probably our most important player on the park. But, do you think a European side would be willing to buy him out of his contract for what is a fairly high risk? I'd imagine the Nix would want 1.5 mil or more to let him go? Just guessing really but he is that important. I love the ALeague but I feel like a European side would be taking far too greater risk on a player which has only played within a league the equivalent of Englands third division that plays half the amount of games...

anaveragestem

kungfu panda

Rufer is worth his weight in Gold in my opinion. The central DM/playmaker must have an inate knowledge of the game and vision. Rufer has it. To me he's a classic Italian "Mediano", if you don't have half of Southern Europe after his signature, I'd be surprised. 

I love Rufer and he is probably our most important player on the park. But, do you think a European side would be willing to buy him out of his contract for what is a fairly high risk? I'd imagine the Nix would want 1.5 mil or more to let him go? Just guessing really but he is that important. I love the ALeague but I feel like a European side would be taking far too greater risk on a player which has only played within a league the equivalent of Englands third division that plays half the amount of games...

 
Don't really know the answer. Age also is creeping up on Rufer, still just about young enough though.

I totally think Rufer is the player that Ugarkovic dreams to be. His sense of positioning as well.

To me the All Whites coach doesn't have a fudgeing clue if Rufer isn't the first player on his team sheet.

kungfu panda

Rufer is worth his weight in Gold in my opinion. The central DM/playmaker must have an inate knowledge of the game and vision. Rufer has it. To me he's a classic Italian "Mediano", if you don't have half of Southern Europe after his signature, I'd be surprised. 

Even at his relatively advanced age? He'll be 28 shortly and he's probably at his physical and performance peak. Maybe he would jump at the chance of a European adventure but there's a risk he might end up whittling away his best years riding the pine or in the reserves. 

Still, I guess that's a risk you take whatever your age.

Agree with the above comment on AW selection problems for Rufer.
I've said it before, but if he was on the park for our game away to CCM who knows how it would have panned out.  

Rufer needs to go overseas to get ahead of Bell and Garbett in pecking order - especially looking ahead to the World Cup.

He's had a great season - even his knockers are saying so.

I would love to see how much more he could develop in a better league.

MetalLegNZ

Rufer needs to go overseas to get ahead of Bell and Garbett in pecking order - especially looking ahead to the World Cup.

He's had a great season - even his knockers are saying so.

I would love to see how much more he could develop in a better league.

I agree to a point, I'd like to see him in a "better" league and see how he develops further, but I really dont want to see him end up doing a Singh or Rojas, where they have traveled to the better league, either gotten injured or not settled and then struggled to find any consistency. That would be a waste of all the work that Rufer has put in over the last two seasons.

One club man, captain the Phoenix until he retires.

Ryan

One club man, captain the Phoenix until he retires.

 ... until we win all there is to win, then he can hand it over to the youngsters.

theprof

MetalLegNZ

Rufer needs to go overseas to get ahead of Bell and Garbett in pecking order - especially looking ahead to the World Cup.

He's had a great season - even his knockers are saying so.

I would love to see how much more he could develop in a better league.

I agree to a point, I'd like to see him in a "better" league and see how he develops further, but I really dont want to see him end up doing a Singh or Rojas, where they have traveled to the better league, either gotten injured or not settled and then struggled to find any consistency. That would be a waste of all the work that Rufer has put in over the last two seasons.

But that's the risk of any move, it may or may not work out.

dunnix

Trying to find a decent angle of Zawada’s celebration last night - he pointed to the ground then blew kisses to the crowd. Trying not to get ahead of myself but that could mean he’s keen to stay… 

Also, looking at his career over the years; this has been his most successful spell at a club too. He might be hesitant to join a completely new environment

Let's be honest CCM will win on Tuesday. 

Having Kosta as our only striker for the majority of the season has cost us. A few draws could well have been wins if we had a fit Zawada. 

We need two fit goal scorers next season, we currently only have one and he's off contract. 

I'm also super concerned about Ball's drought. We've had goals from most of our defenders and midfielders since he last scored. Also what sort of coin is he on?

anaveragestem

I think we will be able to cope with most player losses provided we aren't stripped bare. I think we've seen throughout the season that despite our young playing group, there is a second group of players that are the same age or younger which are nearly ready to step up. Players like GSR, LKH, Hughes, Sheridan, Van Hattum and Supyk have all shown glimpses of potential. No one gave most of our current starting lineup a hope in hell of performing like they have - who is to say the next crop can't. 

I think we can definitely still have a good team next year even if we lost several players. At the very least it will be fun seeing a new group of kiwis coming through!

I think the one loss that would hurt us the most would be Chiefy. I am quite concerned he will leave after next year, I just hope that we've won some silverware by then.

I think his number two is more important. Look at how improved our defence is due to Adam. 

Things that Chiefy had been responsible for such as set plays, have been gash for two years.

Marto

anaveragestem

I think we will be able to cope with most player losses provided we aren't stripped bare. I think we've seen throughout the season that despite our young playing group, there is a second group of players that are the same age or younger which are nearly ready to step up. Players like GSR, LKH, Hughes, Sheridan, Van Hattum and Supyk have all shown glimpses of potential. No one gave most of our current starting lineup a hope in hell of performing like they have - who is to say the next crop can't. 

I think we can definitely still have a good team next year even if we lost several players. At the very least it will be fun seeing a new group of kiwis coming through!

I think the one loss that would hurt us the most would be Chiefy. I am quite concerned he will leave after next year, I just hope that we've won some silverware by then.

I think his number two is more important. Look at how improved our defence is due to Adam. 

Things that Chiefy had been responsible for such as set plays, have been gash for two years.

I'd argue Chief has been responsible for the entire team, being the head coach. Hardly been gash.

Am I the only person who isn't worried about Ball's lack of goals?

He offers so much to the team outside scoring, from his work rate, nous to the simple fact we look more dangerous with him on the field generally.

People arguing about him not being his worth need to remember he's a starting player in a team that's top of the league.

Outpost

kungfu panda

Rufer is worth his weight in Gold in my opinion. The central DM/playmaker must have an inate knowledge of the game and vision. Rufer has it. To me he's a classic Italian "Mediano", if you don't have half of Southern Europe after his signature, I'd be surprised. 

Even at his relatively advanced age? He'll be 28 shortly and he's probably at his physical and performance peak. Maybe he would jump at the chance of a European adventure but there's a risk he might end up whittling away his best years riding the pine or in the reserves. 

Still, I guess that's a risk you take whatever your age.

Lecce signed Ramadani from the dons last summer, who was 28 at the time. A harrier and harasser, but not with the skill level of Rufer imo. Ramadani is now one of the most consistent players in his position in serie A. Second to Ferguson (also ex dons) who id argue is vastly superior to both Rama and Rufer. Anyway, my main point is about age, it’s not too late for him.

MetalLegNZ

Am I the only person who isn't worried about Ball's lack of goals?

He offers so much to the team outside scoring, from his work rate, nous to the simple fact we look more dangerous with him on the field generally.

People arguing about him not being his worth need to remember he's a starting player in a team that's top of the league.

There is no doubt of his work rate. I know a lot of our fans don't get the chance to see the team live because of personal circumstances.  Work, cost, place of residence etc.  I find with Ball, you appreciate his value much more when you are at the ground watching.  His runs off the ball do take defenders away from the action.  And the way his filled the gap in the centre of the midfield last night made a huge difference to me in how others performed.  The constant runs that Rufer made forward with the ball was because of gaps that Ball had created.  You just cannot see that on TV.
So, no mate, I am with you.  Ball's lack of goals does not concern me at all.  I know he would love one.   It is often the thing with these things that if he gets one, the floodgates could open for him.

Ryan

Why do we think Salas would be expensive? He said he got a pay increase when he came here.

He’s on loan. Saprissa still paying part of his wages. Al-Taay is a cheaper similar player

If the potential player budget cuts are going to be as bad as Chief is alluding to, then to me you don’t sign Salas. You have Al-Taay plus increase mins for Conchie and Sheridan

Kraev is the off contract visa of most urgency. Hopefully he re-signs, then if you get good cash from selling Surman and Old (the 2 rumoured to date) you also try and keep Zawada. But if he moves on, hopefully there is cash for another visa striker

I think you just go 4 visas Ball, Wootton, Kraev (hopefully) and visa striker. Sounds like cost cutting has to happen. As above Salas can be covered by existing squad members - but Kraev and Zawada can’t 

coochiee

Ryan

Why do we think Salas would be expensive? He said he got a pay increase when he came here.

He’s on loan. Saprissa still paying part of his wages. Al-Taay is a cheaper similar player

How do you know Saprissa are paying part of his wages? The fact that he said he got a pay increase when he came here tells me we're likely paying all of his wages.

Walsall Boy

MetalLegNZ

Am I the only person who isn't worried about Ball's lack of goals?

He offers so much to the team outside scoring, from his work rate, nous to the simple fact we look more dangerous with him on the field generally.

People arguing about him not being his worth need to remember he's a starting player in a team that's top of the league.

There is no doubt of his work rate. I know a lot of our fans don't get the chance to see the team live because of personal circumstances.  Work, cost, place of residence etc.  I find with Ball, you appreciate his value much more when you are at the ground watching.  His runs off the ball do take defenders away from the action.  And the way his filled the gap in the centre of the midfield last night made a huge difference to me in how others performed.  The constant runs that Rufer made forward with the ball was because of gaps that Ball had created.  You just cannot see that on TV.
So, no mate, I am with you.  Ball's lack of goals does not concern me at all.  I know he would love one.   It is often the thing with these things that if he gets one, the floodgates could open for him.

Yep.  Ball doesn't need to score goals when he's helping our other players get em.

Salas may not be incredibly expensive, but he was something of a luxury signing this season. 

The general idea behind the signing was for Salas to be loaned here for six months, given we were having a very successful season but were struggling a little for depth, and hopefully be the difference between a successful season and a historic title winning season. And Chiefy said that ideally what would happen is he would help us out for six months, would put himself in the shop window a bit more than he was back in Costa Rica, and get a bigger overseas team to go in for him and pay a fee to his parent club for him. A win-win-win. 

But the squad budget is going to be much smaller next season. No prize money for winning the plate or GF & TV money down big time. The Nix just aren't going to have the money again for such luxury.

MetalLegNZ

Am I the only person who isn't worried about Ball's lack of goals?

He offers so much to the team outside scoring, from his work rate, nous to the simple fact we look more dangerous with him on the field generally.

People arguing about him not being his worth need to remember he's a starting player in a team that's top of the league.

Have been arguing this all season! Like you say he offers so much more. Early on I was trying to point out that he was often the pass that made the assist possible - for a lot of our goals - which doesnt get counted. I dont think Chief will be worried about him scoring or not, he creates so much more and is always in the right spot.

WanderingSheep

Mainland FC

martinb

No one has mentioned Rufer either! 

I thought he had a very good game, and a good season.  Matured through the experience.

A true captains performance imo. I was saying to those I was with that he led the line brilliantly. Some excellent tackles.

martinb

No one has mentioned Rufer either! 

Half the stadium was singing "The Ruf, the Ruf, the Ruf is on fire!". What more do you want?

Totally agree about David Ball.  
I am not an expert but looking at his play against the Bulls I noted these things:
- plays mostly in the mid-space between both penalty areas, but backs up the defence much like Kraev - so he is an AM rather than a striker
- he is still highly mobile but not over 90 min
- he is not a ball hogger, tends to receive and draw an defender with him, then pass relatively quickly while running to create a feigned risk elsewhere
- does not waste a shot from a relative distance but places himself at the goalmouth as an option for a tap-in.
Others may see it differently, keen to hear your comments.

number8

WanderingSheep

Mainland FC

martinb

No one has mentioned Rufer either! 

I thought he had a very good game, and a good season.  Matured through the experience.

A true captains performance imo. I was saying to those I was with that he led the line brilliantly. Some excellent tackles.

martinb

No one has mentioned Rufer either! 

Half the stadium was singing "The Ruf, the Ruf, the Ruf is on fire!". What more do you want?

I meant from the perspective that he might attract international interest as a transfer target. 

Not sure if this is the place to put it, but is there a website/source which lists all players that have played in the A-League as well as basic stats?

Reason I ask is I was thinking how few Kiwis played in the A-League outside of the Phoenix and then was thinking about which Nix players subsequently moved to Aussie clubs. It then got me wondering how much (if at all) the Phoenix had effected the number of Kiwis in the A-League generally and wanted to find some stats around that.

I was also interested in how many Kiwis had played in the A-League full stop.

loyalgunner

Not sure if this is the place to put it, but is there a website/source which lists all players that have played in the A-League as well as basic stats?

Reason I ask is I was thinking how few Kiwis played in the A-League outside of the Phoenix and then was thinking about which Nix players subsequently moved to Aussie clubs. It then got me wondering how much (if at all) the Phoenix had effected the number of Kiwis in the A-League generally and wanted to find some stats around that.

I was also interested in how many Kiwis had played in the A-League full stop.

https://www.ultimatealeague.com/players/

Roughly 104 Kiwi players have played in the A-League.

Unfortunately it only shows the last club played for on that page, you'll have to dig into the data to see who started at the Knights.

loyalgunner

Not sure if this is the place to put it, but is there a website/source which lists all players that have played in the A-League as well as basic stats?

Reason I ask is I was thinking how few Kiwis played in the A-League outside of the Phoenix and then was thinking about which Nix players subsequently moved to Aussie clubs. It then got me wondering how much (if at all) the Phoenix had effected the number of Kiwis in the A-League generally and wanted to find some stats around that.

I was also interested in how many Kiwis had played in the A-League full stop.

List of all players from OFC to have appeared in a A-League match day squad
https://www.ultimatealeague.com/players/?club=all&confed=ofc&show=all

Awesome! Super useful thanks.