Sydney FC fan Connor passes his judgement on some of the transfers of the off-season, and believes some big names might struggle this year.
Sydney FC fan Connor Dalton, aged 15, passes his judgement on some of the transfers of the off-season, and believes some big names might struggle.
With the wait till the Hyundai A-League season almost over, all the talk has been around the Western Sydney Wanderers and the big transfers.
Even though many of them involve losing young talent to the bright lights of Europe we-ve still had some great players come our way – but will all be a success? Here are my transfers that will blow you away with disbelief for both kinds.
Who will succeed?
Ben Halloran (Brisbane Roar)
In a season where his team finished last but still managed to play good consistent football, Ben Halloran can only get better. This time in a Brisbane Roar shirt, I expect Halloran not to be diagnosed with second-season syndrome, unlike so many other young talents.
The fact that he scored so many amazing goals at Gold Coast and that now he will be playing around players like Thomas Broich and Erik Paratalau, makes it look like the Roar have got themselves a new hero until Europe coming knocking.
Halloran is a sensational buy, he-s quick, he-s young and he-s determined to show that he can play at the highest level. Brisbane Roar fans enjoy.
Alessandro Del Piero (Sydney FC)
How can I not mention the legend that is Alessandro Del Piero in this article? Labelled the biggest signing in the history of the league, Del Piero is certain to make the Hyundai A-League he-s own as he leads the line for Sydney FC this season.
Remarkably he turned down English giants Liverpool and Tottenham to make his way to the harbour city and everyone in the A-League would agree he made the right choice.
It was only two or three years ago when he was still playing Champions League football against Manchester City and the man who is known as one of football-s all-time greats looks to be a success for our humble league.
Unless you-re Andrew Durante and the rest of the Wellington defence, expect enjoyment out of Del Piero starting against the Phoenix.
Who could rock
Glen Moss (Wellington Phoenix)
This might come as a shock with Moss not being a Del Piero or a Flores but might prove just as valuable for the Wellington Phoenix this season. Wellington needed a goalkeeper after switching between the ageing Mark Paston and the inconsistent Tony Warner last season.
Moss is a solid goalkeeper he doesn-t make silly mistakes and if a goal goes in, it would have to be a good one. Add that with Wellington-s solid back four this could be a move that Wellington fans may remember well in the future.
Who might flop
Richard Garcia (Melbourne Heart)
Garcia-s upcoming season at the Melbourne Heart is a tricky one to get my head around. His transfer from former Premier League side Hull City has put pressure on him to perform and become a leader in the Heart-s midfield.
He-s a very talented player, highlighted by when he played for the Socceroos at the 2010 World Cup. But after examining Harry Kewell-s stint at cross-town rivals Victory, showing it took him longer than expected to adapt to the style of football played Down Under, it makes me wonder if the quickly evolving pace of the league might be a bit too much for the 32-year-old.
Of course Richard Garcia isn-t Harry Kewell but the circumstances Kewell was in mid-season, I could see happening for Garcia.
Emile Heskey (Newcastle Jets)
The other big signing in the off-season, Emile Heskey is a star but can he make it at the Jets? Heskey is not in the days of starting for England and playing for Liverpool. Newcastle bought him from a low-finishing Aston Villa side where he got few goals and ultimately got released from his contract.
He is a big name in this league and will definitely draw crowds to Jets games but if he wants to bring Newcastle into title contention his form must improve.
Again he has done some amazing things in the past and Newcastle might be screaming the name Heskey at Hunter Stadium regularly. However if he plays like he did near the end of his Villa career they won-t as much as they would like to.
Michael Beauchamp (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Is third time the charm? That is what has to be asked about Wanderers centre-back and captain Michael Beauchamp.
After being a centre back for the Socceroos, Beauchamp has moved on from Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC. At Heart he was pushed back to the bench and at Sydney he was released after getting the season he probably was looking for.
Now at Wanderers, his fans would want him to play in the form that saw him in green and gold.
Being the captain he should stand up and play that Socceroos form unless it could be another long season for Michael Beauchamp.
But in the end it all comes down to when they are on the pitch which is now less than two weeks away. Watch with interest because it-s shaping to be the best season yet and hopefully one to remember for my beloved Sky Blues.
GO SYDNEY FC!
The views expressed in this article are purely those of the author and do not reflect those of FFA or the Hyundai A-League.
Got something to say? Submit your article (no more than 600 words) to haveyoursay@goalmouth.com.au for your chance to get your article published.
The Hyundai A-League 2012/13 season kicks off on Friday 5 October with the season-s first Melbourne derby at Etihad Stadium. Click here for tickets to all the matches.
The official Hyundai A-League 2012/13 fantasy football game and tipping competitions are also open – so sign up now.
