All eyes were fixed on one figure at Sydney FC’s opening game last Friday and despite opening with a rain-drenched reverse, Sydneysiders should have seen enough to believe this season might develop favourably.
Juninho may not have got off to a dream start, but at times his touch, balance and quality were evident for all to see. Unsurprisingly the pint-sized Brazilian was heavily marked through out and the key for Sydney now is deciding how best to utilise their biggest talent.
If Sydney can build their team round Juninho to either enable him the space and time to flourish, or use him to create opportunities for team-mates, then Juninho will offer more than just ticket and shirt sales.
I don’t expect Sydney to top the A-League come January, but with Juninho in their ranks a shot at grand final victory is a distinct possibility. What Sydney need to do with Juninho is what Liverpool do with Gerrard, build a team round their greatest asset.
Building around Juninho may not make Sydney the league’s most consistent performers, but it could make them one of the most dangerous. Liverpool have failed to secure the English league title in 17 years, but have picked up 10 cup trophies since the turn of the century. Gerrard playing a pivotal roll along the way. Juninho may not be the player Gerrard is, but the principle remains the same. Play to your strengths and make the opposition play on your terms.
I might be wrong and Juninho’s small fry frame could get knocked about like a disused Brazilian ragdoll. However Branko Culina and his team should have done everything they can to let him prosper.
On another note, the Cove faithful will be hoping Sydney FC fair better than their supporters’ recently formed football team. Lokomotiv Cove are present in eight differing graded divisions for the Eastern Suburbs Football Association. With the season have just come to a close, four of Lokomotiv Cove’s eight teams were in the bottom two of their respective league. The eight teams conceded a whopping 333 goals combined.
How did my team, Dunbar Rovers, fair? Well my grade finished the season with a 6-3 win over the aforementioned Cove, while Dunbar’s premier and reserve teams claimed their championships. It seems the Cove are as able on the pitch as they are at thinking up witty or interesting terrace chants. Knick knack paddy whack? Really.
Juninho may not have got off to a dream start, but at times his touch, balance and quality were evident for all to see. Unsurprisingly the pint-sized Brazilian was heavily marked through out and the key for Sydney now is deciding how best to utilise their biggest talent.
If Sydney can build their team round Juninho to either enable him the space and time to flourish, or use him to create opportunities for team-mates, then Juninho will offer more than just ticket and shirt sales.
I don’t expect Sydney to top the A-League come January, but with Juninho in their ranks a shot at grand final victory is a distinct possibility. What Sydney need to do with Juninho is what Liverpool do with Gerrard, build a team round their greatest asset.
Building around Juninho may not make Sydney the league’s most consistent performers, but it could make them one of the most dangerous. Liverpool have failed to secure the English league title in 17 years, but have picked up 10 cup trophies since the turn of the century. Gerrard playing a pivotal roll along the way. Juninho may not be the player Gerrard is, but the principle remains the same. Play to your strengths and make the opposition play on your terms.
I might be wrong and Juninho’s small fry frame could get knocked about like a disused Brazilian ragdoll. However Branko Culina and his team should have done everything they can to let him prosper.
On another note, the Cove faithful will be hoping Sydney FC fair better than their supporters’ recently formed football team. Lokomotiv Cove are present in eight differing graded divisions for the Eastern Suburbs Football Association. With the season have just come to a close, four of Lokomotiv Cove’s eight teams were in the bottom two of their respective league. The eight teams conceded a whopping 333 goals combined.
How did my team, Dunbar Rovers, fair? Well my grade finished the season with a 6-3 win over the aforementioned Cove, while Dunbar’s premier and reserve teams claimed their championships. It seems the Cove are as able on the pitch as they are at thinking up witty or interesting terrace chants. Knick knack paddy whack? Really.
