Thai trial....that's tops!!!
A FOOTNOTE to the wonderful performances of Thailand in Australia's group at the Asian Cup, it's great to see their two impressive defenders, Suree Sukha and Kiatprawut Saiwaeo, among three players offered a trial at EPL club Manchester City.
Yes, the offer is through the dubious connections of new City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, but for the EPL-obsessed Thais, it would be a dream come true to see a couple of their own mixing it with their heros.
Certainly, given the physical nature of the league, it won't be easy, but in Sven Goran Eriksson, at least they'll be trialling in front of a manager that will appreciate the finer technical aspects of the play. Both defenders caught the eye with some brilliant displays and were natural choices in my team of the group stages.
Even in the 4-0 loss to the Socceroos on matchday 3, Sukha was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch, ahead of Mark Milligan, driving up and down the right flank, Dani Alves style. Saiwaeo, meanwhile, is only 21, but is so comfortable and cultured on the ball, it was a joy to watch his display against Oman. He struggled a little bit in the aerial duels against the Socceroos, beaten by Michael Beauchamp for the opener, a weakness that will be exposed in England.
If Saiwaeo or Sukha don't land a gig in the EPL now, keep an eye out for the names. Indeed, wouldn't it be great to see their likes among the A-League, but I often wonder how many clubs here even know they exist?
Yes, the offer is through the dubious connections of new City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, but for the EPL-obsessed Thais, it would be a dream come true to see a couple of their own mixing it with their heros.
Certainly, given the physical nature of the league, it won't be easy, but in Sven Goran Eriksson, at least they'll be trialling in front of a manager that will appreciate the finer technical aspects of the play. Both defenders caught the eye with some brilliant displays and were natural choices in my team of the group stages.
Even in the 4-0 loss to the Socceroos on matchday 3, Sukha was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch, ahead of Mark Milligan, driving up and down the right flank, Dani Alves style. Saiwaeo, meanwhile, is only 21, but is so comfortable and cultured on the ball, it was a joy to watch his display against Oman. He struggled a little bit in the aerial duels against the Socceroos, beaten by Michael Beauchamp for the opener, a weakness that will be exposed in England.
If Saiwaeo or Sukha don't land a gig in the EPL now, keep an eye out for the names. Indeed, wouldn't it be great to see their likes among the A-League, but I often wonder how many clubs here even know they exist?
posted by The Round Ball Analyst at 27.7.07
3 Comments:
Great news. Good luck to both of them. You certainly have an eye for a player mr. round ball
Sukha has really caught the eye hasn't he, and the lack of interest in Asian players from A-League clubs so far has been disappointing.
To be fair, it's too close to the start of the season to take big risks and expect a new player to adapt to a totally new culture so close to the first kick in anger. Even proven professionals from South America take time to adjust, so it would be asking a lot to have a player from South East Asia enter the league a few weeks from the new season.
Hopefully, some of the clubs and their scouts have seen the Asian Cup and have had their eyes opened. They can then sign these players earlier in the year (April-June) and have a couple of months' training to adapt to Australia's football and conditions.
I just realised this is my first reply in your blog, despite being a long time reader! Keep up the good work Tony, I thoroughly enjoy your posts.
tfo, thanks for the comment and interest.
been really impressed with the standards throughout asia, even as far back as last season when we first caught a glimpse of bader al mutwa, but i understand it wouldnt necessarily be that easy to entice them here as some are on decent dollars in asia.
anyway, heres to hoping we see some down the track.
Post a Comment
<< Home