Phoenix Academy
130
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440
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over 16 years

Liam moved to NZ in 2004 when he was just 6 which means that when he first played for SA in 2015 he was also eligible for NZ (assuming he has NZ citizenship?) so now he can switch if he wants.

I seem to recall they had not applied for citizenship as Keryn had become ill with his cancer and that seems to preclude one from gaining citizenship on health expense grounds. I may be wrong but at the time I spoke with him and that was something he mentioned as he planned to return to SA and had a pathway mapped out for Liam in SA to start and then overseas.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Liam Jordan is now with HB Koge in the Danish 2nd tier. They play Helsingor (Just, Wilkins & McCowatt) on 30th Sept.

Looks like he would have last played for South Africa, June last year at age 20.

https://us.soccerway.com/players/liam-jordan/39937...

Overseas
610
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2.7K
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over 16 years

Enough said wrote:

Liam moved to NZ in 2004 when he was just 6 which means that when he first played for SA in 2015 he was also eligible for NZ (assuming he has NZ citizenship?) so now he can switch if he wants.

I seem to recall they had not applied for citizenship as Keryn had become ill with his cancer and that seems to preclude one from gaining citizenship on health expense grounds. I may be wrong but at the time I spoke with him and that was something he mentioned as he planned to return to SA and had a pathway mapped out for Liam in SA to start and then overseas.

OK well if that's true and he doesn't have a NZ passport then we can completely forget about him ever playing for NZ then! Shame.

Phoenix Academy
130
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440
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over 16 years

OK well if that's true and he doesn't have a NZ passport then we can completely forget about him ever playing for NZ then! Shame.

Agree, he was an immense talent! 

Marquee
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over 11 years

I want to see anyone in an All White shirt at this stage. Just give me a game to watch and a team to support!

Starting XI
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3K
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almost 7 years

Had a bit of a play on FM21 and created a pretty fun, entirely New Zealand-based national team. Bunch of fun youth prospects interspersed with a few Premiership oldheads. Pretty much everyone in this squad has impressed me so far this season (Mata and Patterson obviously not in the national league). Would happily take these guys to the islands for quals if need be

Woof Woof
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19K
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over 16 years

Mario is Croatian, better fix that before he sees it.

Phoenix Academy
73
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240
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over 5 years

Has anyone seen Gianni Stensness playing in the first two games for CC Mariners this season?  The guy is in top form and a strong reason why the Mariners are currently on the top of the league.  He is really worth a watch.

I don't see anyone who is anywhere near his form as a defensive midfielder, not Rufer, not Bell...  

Stensness surely must be in for a shot at the All Whites this year.

Starting XI
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over 8 years

There was an interview with him over the xmas break where he mentioned he's been a part of the All Whites wider group that Danny Hay is in comms with - he's looked bloody good, so I sure hope he gets a run (should we play a game)

First Team Squad
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over 6 years
Not sure if this is the right thread but Piney updated his All Whites Power Rankings for 2021. Didn't want to pay for NZ Herald Premium so I dug through the HTML to get the list, here it is for those of you who would rather spend your money elsewhere too.

NZ Football Power Rankings:
1. Chris Wood
2. Ryan Thomas
3. Winston Reid
4. Liberato Cacace
5. Michael Boxall
6. Joe Bell
7. Sarpreet Singh
8. Michael Woud
9. Tim Payne
10. Kosta Barbarouses
11. Callum McCowatt
12. Marco Rojas
13. Stefan Marinovic
14. James McGarry
15. Elijah Just
16. Gianni Stensness
17. Alex Rufer
18. Clayton Lewis
19. Elliott Collier
20. Storm Roux
21. Tommy Smith
22. Bill Tuiloma
23. Oli Sail
24. Noah Billingsley
25. Niko Kirwan 
26. Nando Pijnaker
27. Ben Waine
28. Louis Fenton
29. Max Mata 
30. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi
31. Dane Ingham
32. Marko Stamenic
33. Max Crocombe
34. Nikko Boxall
35. Joel Stevens
36. Hamish Watson
37. Logan Rogerson
38. George Stanger
39. Matthew Ridenton
40. Dan Morgan
41. Michael McGlinchey
42. Cam Howieson
43. Andre De Jong
44. Jack-Henry Sinclair
45. Myer Bevan
46. Deklan Wynne 
47. James Musa 
48. Matt Garbett 
49. Callan Elliot
50. Jeremy Brockie

Legend
11K
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almost 9 years
Kirwan & Stamenic too low. Stamenic would be a gun in the Danish 2nd tier where McCowatt and Just are playing.

Also Tzanev should be in there somewhere. He can replace WeeMac who's time is over.

Starting XI
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3K
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almost 7 years
coochiee
Kirwan & Stamenic too low. Stamenic would be a gun in the Danish 2nd tier where McCowatt and Just are playing.

Also Tzanev should be in there somewhere. He can replace WeeMac who's time is over.

Agree with everything you've said. Stamenic is 15ish spots too low for me, and Kirwan's overseas exploits are criminally underrated by the NZ public.

Also think Watson is too high - should be on the list still, but that's just me.
Phoenix Academy
100
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370
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about 9 years
I saw Team Wellington play for the first time on Sunday in the ISPS Handa Men's Premiership Final (I was living under a rock).

I thought Ollie Whyte is worth a shout to be a fringe All White as well as Taylor Schjrivers.

From Auckland City FC, Dylan Manickum stood out, as well as Adam Mitchell.

If Dylan Manickum ever got called up for the All Whites, he'd be the first Futsal White to transition over from Futsal to Football.

Leo Bertos did this the other way around and went from football to futsal.

I also thought Hamish Watson didn't do much in the game. 

After losing my Team Wellington Virginity - I am now a fan...and I will only ever see them play once...

But anyway, if Dylan or Ollie or Taylor got called up, fringe players IMO. But Ollie shows a lot of promise.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years
CactusJones
I saw Team Wellington play for the first time on Sunday in the ISPS Handa Men's Premiership Final (I was living under a rock).

I thought Ollie Whyte is worth a shout to be a fringe All White as well as Taylor Schjrivers.

From Auckland City FC, Dylan Manickum stood out, as well as Adam Mitchell.

If Dylan Manickum ever got called up for the All Whites, he'd be the first Futsal White to transition over from Futsal to Football.

Leo Bertos did this the other way around and went from football to futsal.

I also thought Hamish Watson didn't do much in the game. 

After losing my Team Wellington Virginity - I am now a fan...and I will only ever see them play once...

But anyway, if Dylan or Ollie or Taylor got called up, fringe players IMO. But Ollie shows a lot of promise.


Hasn't Elliot Collier played Futsal for NZ?
Oli Whyte probably worth a Nix trial, I imagine they will let Ridenton go at season's end.
Marquee
2.7K
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7.2K
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almost 17 years
coochiee
CactusJones
I saw Team Wellington play for the first time on Sunday in the ISPS Handa Men's Premiership Final (I was living under a rock).

I thought Ollie Whyte is worth a shout to be a fringe All White as well as Taylor Schjrivers.

From Auckland City FC, Dylan Manickum stood out, as well as Adam Mitchell.

If Dylan Manickum ever got called up for the All Whites, he'd be the first Futsal White to transition over from Futsal to Football.

Leo Bertos did this the other way around and went from football to futsal.

I also thought Hamish Watson didn't do much in the game. 

After losing my Team Wellington Virginity - I am now a fan...and I will only ever see them play once...

But anyway, if Dylan or Ollie or Taylor got called up, fringe players IMO. But Ollie shows a lot of promise.


Hasn't Elliot Collier played Futsal for NZ?
Oli Whyte probably worth a Nix trial, I imagine they will let Ridenton go at season's end.

I believe you are correct according to this post.
Phoenix Academy
100
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370
·
about 9 years
newzealandpower
coochiee
CactusJones
I saw Team Wellington play for the first time on Sunday in the ISPS Handa Men's Premiership Final (I was living under a rock).

I thought Ollie Whyte is worth a shout to be a fringe All White as well as Taylor Schjrivers.

From Auckland City FC, Dylan Manickum stood out, as well as Adam Mitchell.

If Dylan Manickum ever got called up for the All Whites, he'd be the first Futsal White to transition over from Futsal to Football.

Leo Bertos did this the other way around and went from football to futsal.

I also thought Hamish Watson didn't do much in the game. 

After losing my Team Wellington Virginity - I am now a fan...and I will only ever see them play once...

But anyway, if Dylan or Ollie or Taylor got called up, fringe players IMO. But Ollie shows a lot of promise.


Hasn't Elliot Collier played Futsal for NZ?
Oli Whyte probably worth a Nix trial, I imagine they will let Ridenton go at season's end.

I believe you are correct according to this post.
Ahh yes! I am incorrect here. 

I do think Dylan could be an All White though, but it would be in a trans-tasman NZ based team only against Australia. 
First Team Squad
2.9K
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1.9K
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over 6 years
mrsmiis
coochiee
Kirwan & Stamenic too low. Stamenic would be a gun in the Danish 2nd tier where McCowatt and Just are playing.

Also Tzanev should be in there somewhere. He can replace WeeMac who's time is over.

Agree with everything you've said. Stamenic is 15ish spots too low for me, and Kirwan's overseas exploits are criminally underrated by the NZ public.

Also think Watson is too high - should be on the list still, but that's just me.
 It's crazy to think that here's a guy who plays in the same league as Mario Balotelli and Kevin Prince Boateng and he gets virtually no recognition from most Kiwi football fans. I think anyone who plays in Serie B should be in an All Whites squad.
Marquee
2.7K
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almost 17 years
Agree. Also it should be said he was retained following his team's promotion to Serie B (doesn't happen to everyone) and after very busy summer and winter transfer market sessions. He's been involved in 20 games so far (1212 minutes vs 1435 from last year). He's had a couple of injuries, likely also co-Vid and isn't a regular starter like he was for Reggina in 18-19 BUT if he look at the level he's playing at, he's only behind Wood, Thomas, Libby and a few others. Serie B is very competitive. It's a long, grueling season and he's showing that he belongs there. If that doesn't warrant an AW call-up I don't know what does.
First Team Squad
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1.3K
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over 6 years
New Piney Power Rankings just dropped:
  1. Chris Wood
  2. Joe Bell
  3. Winston Reid
  4. Sarpreet Singh
  5. Ryan Thomas
  6. Liberato Cacace
  7. Michael Boxall
  8. Marco Rojas
  9. Kosta Barbarouses
  10. Stefan Marinovic
  11. Tim Payne
  12. Marko Stamenic
  13. Elijah Just
  14. Nando Pijnaker
  15. Matt Garbett
  16. Joey Champness
  17. Callum McCowatt
  18. Michael Woud
  19. Bill Tuiloma
  20. Oli Sail
  21. Clayton Lewis
  22. Niko Kirwan
  23. Tommy Smith
  24. Andre De Jong
  25. Francis De Vries
  26. Nikko Boxall
  27. Storm Roux
  28. James McGarry
  29. Ben Waine
  30. Dane Ingham
  31. Elliot Collier
  32. Alex Rufer
  33. Callan Elliot
  34. Max Mata
  35. Kelvin Kalua
  36. Logan Rogerson
  37. Jamie Searle
  38. Louis Fenton
  39. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi
  40. Noah Billingsley
  41. George Stanger
  42. Ben Old
  43. James Musa
  44. Deklan Wynne
  45. Sam Sutton
  46. Jesse Randall
  47. Max Crocombe
  48. Dalton Wilkins
  49. Ollie Whyte
  50. Scott Hilliar
Lawyerish
1.7K
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4.8K
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about 13 years
It’s not a bad ranking list.
The top eleven basically is our team playing 4, 2, 3, 1 in the World Cup playoff

Tuilloma to come on for Rojas if we are ahead come 70 mins to close it out

Champness thrown on for Payne to run at people if we are behind

Other then that sorted.
You’re welcome Danny




Trialist
120
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81
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over 2 years
Friar Tuck
New Piney Power Rankings just dropped:
  1. Chris Wood
  2. Joe Bell
  3. Winston Reid
  4. Sarpreet Singh
  5. Ryan Thomas
  6. Liberato Cacace
  7. Michael Boxall
  8. Marco Rojas
  9. Kosta Barbarouses
  10. Stefan Marinovic
  11. Tim Payne
  12. Marko Stamenic
  13. Elijah Just
  14. Nando Pijnaker
  15. Matt Garbett
  16. Joey Champness
  17. Callum McCowatt
  18. Michael Woud
  19. Bill Tuiloma
  20. Oli Sail
  21. Clayton Lewis
  22. Niko Kirwan
  23. Tommy Smith
  24. Andre De Jong
  25. Francis De Vries
  26. Nikko Boxall
  27. Storm Roux
  28. James McGarry
  29. Ben Waine
  30. Dane Ingham
  31. Elliot Collier
  32. Alex Rufer
  33. Callan Elliot
  34. Max Mata
  35. Kelvin Kalua
  36. Logan Rogerson
  37. Jamie Searle
  38. Louis Fenton
  39. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi
  40. Noah Billingsley
  41. George Stanger
  42. Ben Old
  43. James Musa
  44. Deklan Wynne
  45. Sam Sutton
  46. Jesse Randall
  47. Max Crocombe
  48. Dalton Wilkins
  49. Ollie Whyte
  50. Scott Hilliar

Decent list def building a wee bit of depth. 

Little surprised Billy T is ranked so low. Woulda thought he was above Payne as our third choice CB behind Reid and Boxall. Based on the last 2 games Hay might even be thinking Nando is second choice as I think he started all our friendlies didn’t he? Dude needs to be playing more club footy tho.

Hope some of the A League guys can be available in Jan although might be more likely March..  
Phoenix Academy
980
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430
·
over 16 years
Yeahcoulddo
Friar Tuck
New Piney Power Rankings just dropped:
  1. Chris Wood
  2. Joe Bell
  3. Winston Reid
  4. Sarpreet Singh
  5. Ryan Thomas
  6. Liberato Cacace
  7. Michael Boxall
  8. Marco Rojas
  9. Kosta Barbarouses
  10. Stefan Marinovic
  11. Tim Payne
  12. Marko Stamenic
  13. Elijah Just
  14. Nando Pijnaker
  15. Matt Garbett
  16. Joey Champness
  17. Callum McCowatt
  18. Michael Woud
  19. Bill Tuiloma
  20. Oli Sail
  21. Clayton Lewis
  22. Niko Kirwan
  23. Tommy Smith
  24. Andre De Jong
  25. Francis De Vries
  26. Nikko Boxall
  27. Storm Roux
  28. James McGarry
  29. Ben Waine
  30. Dane Ingham
  31. Elliot Collier
  32. Alex Rufer
  33. Callan Elliot
  34. Max Mata
  35. Kelvin Kalua
  36. Logan Rogerson
  37. Jamie Searle
  38. Louis Fenton
  39. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi
  40. Noah Billingsley
  41. George Stanger
  42. Ben Old
  43. James Musa
  44. Deklan Wynne
  45. Sam Sutton
  46. Jesse Randall
  47. Max Crocombe
  48. Dalton Wilkins
  49. Ollie Whyte
  50. Scott Hilliar

Decent list def building a wee bit of depth. 

Little surprised Billy T is ranked so low. Woulda thought he was above Payne as our third choice CB behind Reid and Boxall. Based on the last 2 games Hay might even be thinking Nando is second choice as I think he started all our friendlies didn’t he? Dude needs to be playing more club footy tho.

Hope some of the A League guys can be available in Jan although might be more likely March..  
I think Billy T is there as third choice CB, Payne is in there as the first choice RB, Pineys first 11 names in these lists is his starting xi

Marinovich
Payne M. Boxall Reid Cacace 
Thomas Bell Singh 
Kosta Wood Rojas 
Legend
8K
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14K
·
over 16 years
If that's his 1st XI I think he has Rojas and Kosta too high, Champness surpasses Rojas for mine, Waine must be pushing Kosta for his spot. Waine should be ahead of De Jong got me.
Legend
6.8K
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14K
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over 16 years
Billy T possibly also related to who has been available or played recently?
Also said about Tzanev.
Rojas and Kosta definitely still got a lot to offer! Very experienced pros and both can provide good service for Wood.
Marquee
3.7K
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5.4K
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over 11 years
Kelvin Kalua over Musa who has been dominate in the USL? Your having a laugh!

Is he more likely to get picked, maybe, but is he better... not even close ATM.
First Team Squad
2K
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1.9K
·
almost 17 years
I've never been a big fan of Kosta but often he's looked really good for the All Whites. Rojas, on the other hand has done well at club level (at least for the Victory, maybe not so much in Europe but it's hard to judge when you don't see the games) but never looked great for the All Whites.

I'm hoping Waine gets some decent game time for the Nix and starts banging them in, would make him a clear choice over DeJong and Kosta (if he's being considered as an out and out striker rather than in a position we already have several players of similar ability).
Legend
11K
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21K
·
almost 9 years
mrsmiis

Fair enough on your judgement of Tavano's ability, don't think he's good enough for the All Whites but worth a shot. Though, he's playing in a CONCACAF Champions League team in a nation with a similar strength to the AWs for a team that's won 11 of the last 15 titles


I'm currently in Guatamela travelling around, and had hoped Tavano may still be in this neck of the woods, to maybe watch him play.

But looks like he's now in the Russian 2nd tier for those interested at all??
https://us.soccerway.com/players/fabrizio-tavano/387983/

Starting XI
3K
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3K
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almost 7 years
coochiee
mrsmiis

Fair enough on your judgement of Tavano's ability, don't think he's good enough for the All Whites but worth a shot. Though, he's playing in a CONCACAF Champions League team in a nation with a similar strength to the AWs for a team that's won 11 of the last 15 titles


I'm currently in Guatamela travelling around, and had hoped Tavano may still be in this neck of the woods, to maybe watch him play.

But looks like he's now in the Russian 2nd tier for those interested at all??
https://us.soccerway.com/players/fabrizio-tavano/387983/


wow, he's signed for Ramon's new club - must have missed that!

Central America seems like an incredible place to travel, go well mate
WeeNix
600
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920
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almost 9 years
Ramon gone, and no sign of Fabrizio according go Transfermarkt 
RR
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Bossi Insider
9.2K
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33K
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over 15 years
Rusty Dunks
Ramon gone, and no sign of Fabrizio according go Transfermarkt 

First Team Squad
3.4K
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1.3K
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over 6 years
Piney's Power Rankings get a post OFC Qualifying update:

  1. Chris Wood
  2. Joe Bell
  3. Winston Reid
  4. Liberato Cacace
  5. Sarpreet Singh
  6. Ryan Thomas
  7. Bill Tuiloma
  8. Marko Stamenic
  9. Tim Payne
  10. Stefan Marinovic
  11. Nando Pijnaker
  12. Elijah Just
  13. Matt Garbett
  14. Kosta Barbarouses
  15. Callum McCowatt
  16. Oli Sail
  17. Alex Grieve
  18. Niko Kirwan
  19. Tommy Smith
  20. Michael Boxall
  21. Clayton Lewis
  22. Andre de Jong
  23. Michael Woud
  24. Francis de Vries
  25. Marco Rojas
  26. Joey Champness
  27. Nikko Boxall
  28. Logan Rogerson
  29. Ben Waine
  30. Cameron Howieson
  31. Dalton Wilkins
  32. Dane Ingham
  33. Ben Old
  34. Storm Roux
  35. Jamie Searle
  36. Sam Sutton
  37. Louis Fenton
  38. James McGarry
  39. Ollie Whyte
  40. Callan Elliot
  41. George Stanger
  42. Elliott Collier
  43. James Musa
  44. Deklan Wynne
  45. Matt Gould
  46. Max Mata
  47. Max Crocombe
  48. Kelvin Kalua
  49. Myer Bevan
  50. Joel Stevens
Legend
8K
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14K
·
over 16 years
surprised to Woud so high.
Legend
11K
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21K
·
almost 9 years
Tzanev should be there ahead of Searle, Gould & Crocombe. We are soon returning to a world where being unvaccinated won't stop you from travelling. Tzanev could yet be the 3rd keeper ahead of Woud. He did travel to UAE for the October window last year, before his no vax status became a problem, so is not like he hasn't been around the AWs setup.

Also Moses Dyer ahead of Bevan, if you are picking one from Canada. Their league starts next weekend.

What is does mean is there are a bit over 50 Kiwi men playing pro football. Only 'amateurs' on that list Howieson & Kalua.
First Team Squad
3.4K
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1.3K
·
over 6 years
Not sure if the right thread but I had a go at putting together a speculative All Whites of the future starting XI and wow, you can really see the influence that the Phoenix and Ole academies are having on the future of football in NZ. Of the starting XI, only Kelvin Kalua hasn't come through at either the Phoenix or Ole/Wests, although he did play for Eastern Suburbs during their association with Ole so I guess you could call him Ole adjacent. Could also argue that Callan Elliot should be in that spot, in which case every player has been involved with either Ole or the Phoenix at some point in the genesis of their career.
Screen Shot 2022-06-19 at 1.00.50 PM.png 477.27 KB
Starting XI
2K
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4.7K
·
almost 17 years
While in Qatar and Spain, I spoke with a number of the younger squad/squad's family.

Many of them did their time at Wyners but it's never mentioned here. Rufer still plays a big part in our youth development.  Many claimed by Ole started off with Wyton.  Grieve's family in particular were very greatful of what Wynton (and Hay) had done for him and other young All Whites.
Legend
11K
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21K
·
almost 9 years
Friar Tuck
Not sure if the right thread but I had a go at putting together a speculative All Whites of the future starting XI and wow, you can really see the influence that the Phoenix and Ole academies are having on the future of football in NZ. Of the starting XI, only Kelvin Kalua hasn't come through at either the Phoenix or Ole/Wests, although he did play for Eastern Suburbs during their association with Ole so I guess you could call him Ole adjacent. Could also argue that Callan Elliot should be in that spot, in which case every player has been involved with either Ole or the Phoenix at some point in the genesis of their career.
Screen Shot 2022-06-19 at 1.00.50 PM.png 477.27 KB

That's almost more a squad for the 2030 WC cycle rather than 2026!
You might also need to find a spot for Alex Greive, who is a bit of an outlier, not going to Weenix or Ole. Though as above, mentioned went to Wynrs.

But it's easy to think that the above group will be even stronger in 4 years than they are now. All will be aged 23-27, except Sail (30). So sort of in their peak years, and many will be at bigger clubs than where they are now. 

Throw in a few older guys like Wood (34), Marinovic (34), Payne (32), Kirwan (30), Tuiloma (31), Thomas (31), Lewis (29).  Maybe even Rojas (34). Then others coming through like Old, Paulsen & Sutton. Some future star we haven't really heard of yet. And you likely have a best ever AWs squad. Is certainly going to be a high quality midfield by NZ standards if all are fit.

Understand 2026 WC of 48 teams will have 16 pools of 3 teams, with top 2 teams going straight into knock out round of 32. Hopefully AWs can be one of those 2 teams - be a big shame to go to a WC with that group for only 2 pool games.


First Team Squad
1.2K
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1K
·
over 14 years
coochiee
Friar Tuck
Not sure if the right thread but I had a go at putting together a speculative All Whites of the future starting XI and wow, you can really see the influence that the Phoenix and Ole academies are having on the future of football in NZ. Of the starting XI, only Kelvin Kalua hasn't come through at either the Phoenix or Ole/Wests, although he did play for Eastern Suburbs during their association with Ole so I guess you could call him Ole adjacent. Could also argue that Callan Elliot should be in that spot, in which case every player has been involved with either Ole or the Phoenix at some point in the genesis of their career.
Screen Shot 2022-06-19 at 1.00.50 PM.png 477.27 KB

That's almost more a squad for the 2030 WC cycle rather than 2026!
You might also need to find a spot for Alex Greive, who is a bit of an outlier, not going to Weenix or Ole. Though as above, mentioned went to Wynrs.

But it's easy to think that the above group will be even stronger in 4 years than they are now. All will be aged 23-27, except Sail (30). So sort of in their peak years, and many will be at bigger clubs than where they are now. 

Throw in a few older guys like Wood (34), Marinovic (34), Payne (32), Kirwan (30), Tuiloma (31), Thomas (31), Lewis (29).  Maybe even Rojas (34). Then others coming through like Old, Paulsen & Sutton. Some future star we haven't really heard of yet. And you likely have a best ever AWs squad. Is certainly going to be a high quality midfield by NZ standards if all are fit.

Understand 2026 WC of 48 teams will have 16 pools of 3 teams, with top 2 teams going straight into knock out round of 32. Hopefully AWs can be one of those 2 teams - be a big shame to go to a WC with that group for only 2 pool games.


Be a big shame to see the WC organised in that farcical way, but I guess we're stuck with it...

Phoenix Academy
980
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430
·
over 16 years
image.png 127.9 KB

Including players who were called up for the WQC's in the last three months (Plus Singh and Thomas), heres what a 2026 side could look like, with ages in brackets. I cut off at 32, with an exception for Chris Wood who will be 34. 

Obviously a lot of water to go under the bridge but that looks like a quality side. Looks like we are in need of a new generation of defenders to replace the Reid/Boxall/Smith generation.  
First Team Squad
3.4K
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1.3K
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over 6 years
Maaaaaaatt
image.png 127.9 KB

Including players who were called up for the WQC's in the last three months (Plus Singh and Thomas), heres what a 2026 side could look like, with ages in brackets. I cut off at 32, with an exception for Chris Wood who will be 34. 

Obviously a lot of water to go under the bridge but that looks like a quality side. Looks like we are in need of a new generation of defenders to replace the Reid/Boxall/Smith generation.  
Surman definitely looks promising, but other than that I’m not too sure about any young lads coming through, does anyone know of any standouts in the National Leagues? Stensness would’ve been handy but ah well.
Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years
Missed Francis de Vries from the above 2026 positional chart. He will only be 31 in 2026, and has played a bit at left CB (he's 1.81m), so in the future could maybe backup Pijnaker as much as Cacace. Might need a bit more beef on that greyhound frame though to play CB regularly.

But in 4 years so much can happen. To me Thomas was the AWs best player against Peru in 2017 (esp the game in Welly), and his future looked very very bright. Got the big move to PSV in 2018. But since then he's been so injury plagued. Unfortunately football being what it is, someone above could easily suffer a similar fate. Hopefully new quality players continue to come through, and the depth grows. U20s in Indonesia WC next year (yes need to qualify first), will give some pointers.

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