His aerial prowess rescued the Caltex Socceroos against Syria on Tuesday night and now Australia’s all-time leading goal-scorer Tim Cahill has revealed what makes for a perfect assist.
Australia’s talisman headed home crosses from Mathew Leckie and Robbie Kruse in Sydney to send his country through to an intercontinental playoff against Honduras.
And having benefited from the service of several top-quality team-mates throughout his storied career, Cahill has opened up about the kind of service he craves to excel in the box.
“Someone who’s cultured – someone who understands footballers’ runs and timings,” Cahill told www.a-league.com.au
“Pretty much my whole career I’ve made a living off players like Mikel Arteta, Steven Pienaar, Leighton Baines and Thierry Henry – players who can see what’s happening next.
“I was lucky to have [Nicolas] Colazo as part of the Melbourne City team last year.
“It makes a big difference when you’ve got someone who understands football.”
BEST OF THE BEST
In a career spanning two decades, Cahill has enjoyed hugely successful stints with the likes of Everton in the English Premier League, NY Red Bulls in MLS, Shanghai Shenhua in China and now Melbourne City.
Having played in some of the top leagues around the world, Cahill has now revealed the best players he’s played with and against throughout his decorated professional career.
“The best I’ve played with is Thierry Henry, Mikel Arteta, Louis Saha and Phil Neville for his professionalism,” Cahill said.
“Players like that are just exceptional.
“The best I’ve played against would be Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo – they’re two very different players that I admire a lot.
“Roy Keane for his work ethic, mental toughness and being a leader and Cristiano Ronaldo because he’s got everything!”
