Sam Malcolmson: Mighty Phoenix cruising for shot at title... Coach Merrick has quickly turned team around with genius recruitments. Ernie Merrick has engineered an amazing turnaround at the Wellington Phoenix who have placed themselves firmly in the centre of A-League title calculations. The buzz out of Westpac Stadium on Sunday told the story as the Phoenix carried on their merry way, this time against Brisbane. Even Jeremy Brockie - who has struggled to keep up with the speed of the Phoenix game this season - came to the party in his final appearance. Things are going so well that not only has Andy Durante emerged as the best skipper in the A-League, but a player whose international credentials Ive doubted in the past has impressed enough to warrant an All Whites recall. What a difference a new season can make. Football is buzzing in New Zealand thanks to the exploits of Auckland City in the Club World Cup, but good vibrations are also emanating from the Phoenix who are vital to football as the only consistently high profile part of the New Zealand game. Apart from one problem position at fullback, things could hardly be going any better for the Phoenix. They are the best footballing side in the league and are able to play the way they are because of the players they have. Merrick - in his second season - looked far and wide for the pieces to complete his jigsaw, and has come up trumps, creating a pass-and-move team that can win the title. Last years disappointments had much to do with Carlos Hernandez, a fine player but a problem personality who was released before the 2014-15 season. His fitness and attitude were issues and it was a major drag on the club because he was a key player. Merrick has added quality players and there is harmony on and off the field, although years of disappointment have left a scar in that self-belief is still not what it could be. This contributes to the phenomenon of a slow starting side that struggles to find rhythm and often waits until the second half to hit top gear. The Phoenix are often like a new team in the second spell - its as if they need a goal to get them going. Merrick loves to attack, believing that whatever opponents throw at his side, they can outscore them in the end. This means playing higher up the field, but his midfielders have excellent work ethics allowing the Phoenix to get seven or eight players behind the ball when necessary. The hard work of Albert Riera, Alejandro Rodriguez and Roly Bonevacia allows Michael McGlinchey to get forward supporting Nathan Burns and Roy Krishna, the goal-scoring flying machines. There were major question marks around Durante and Ben Sigmund in the heart of the defence, but they have answered those well and truly, thanks in part to what is going on in front of them. Overall, the Phoenix squad is strong enough to keep competition for places honest. Im like a stuck record on the next issue though - the fullbacks. Along with injuries and needless suspensions, it is the area that can bring the Phoenix down. Manny Muscat is a left back without a good left foot, Louis Fenton cant defend, and Thomas Doyle gives the ball away too much. As for Durante, getting dropped from the All Whites might have shocked him into action - he looks fitter and stronger than ever. And he is thriving in a playing system he has faith in. He is leading a side that could become one of the sports stories of the year - if things remain on track then Kiwi fans should start saving to support them in a home playoff. Vicelich for Cup ambassador The Cricket World Cup is about to dominate headlines so the time is not right to wind up publicity for Junes Fifa Under-20 tournament in New Zealand. But football must push the tournament once the cricket is over (with New Zealand being crowned world champions hopefully). There is one thing the organisers can do right now, and approach Vicelich about a publicity role. The stack of awards that have come his way are richly deserved, and he has belatedly become the much-admired face of New Zealand football. His long career is one of adaptability and efficiency. He changed with the times, including position-wise, and has become so adept at reading the game that he thrives on being economical with his movement. Like Ryan Nelsen, he built an outstanding football intelligence and there are hopeful signs that All Whites and Phoenix midfielder Michael McGlinchey is developing in the same way. The humble Vicelich is the perfect man to go around the country promoting the tournament especially after all the accolades he has received in the past month. - NZ Herald
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:31:25 +0000
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