How Good is Tahj Minniecon

Frank Farina sure can find a young gun. Tahj Minniecon, one of his latest, has “Roared” onto the A-League scene in no time.

Searing speed and close ball control are Minniecon’s greatest weapons.
Images: Getty Images

Ask anyone in A-League circles to name three promising youngsters running around in the competition and the name Tahj Minniecon is sure to feature on most lists. Blessed with a stinging shot, silky skills and pace which would’ve impressed former Australian sprint king Matt Shirvington, he’s yet another gem unearthed by Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina.

Tahj Who?

Given he missed a bunch of A-League games from rounds seven to 11, the name may not have been on your A-League fantasy team list. His absence from Farina’s squad for those five rounds was indeed a reflection of his form — in a good way, that is. Minniecon was part of the Young Socceroos squad competing at the AFC Under-19s Championships, which doubled as a qualifying competition for the FIFA Under-20s World Cup.The rep call-up could not have come at a worse time for Minniecon, who was beginning to find his feet in the Roar squad and was fresh from humbling the Melbourne Victory defence in front of their home crowd with a cracking solo effort.Had it not been for an 11th hour intervention from the Roar, Minniecon could have been stepping up Mad Monday preparations with Perth Glory as opposed to being on the verge of a finals series campaign with Queensland. Minniecon had been on trial with the Glory for a month and was offered a contract, but when the Roar caught wind of this, they too put an offer his way. It turned out to be a no-brainer for the Queenslander, who packed his bags quicker than David Hicks and headed home.Minniecon is a modern-day striker who boasts all the assets needed to reach the highest level: searing speed and close ball control. By his and coach Farina’s own admission, defending isn’t his greatest strength, but what he lacks there, he more than makes up for in the attacking third.It’s not just pace and good skills which make Minniecon dangerous, it’s his eye for the goal which keeps defenders on their toes. Like all good strikers, he keeps an eye out for his team-mates, too, which is an unusually selfless trait for an out-and-out striker.

Who is he like?

On the domestic scene, you could say Minniecon shares a lot of similarities with Melbourne Victory and Socceroos striker Archie Thompson. They both stand at 174cm tall, they both enjoy teasing and tormenting defenders with dazzling runs, and yes, they’re both quick. Extend your search to the epicentre of world football and there are two players who stand out: Newcastle United’s Obafemi Martins for his pace, and superstar striker Thierry Henry (who happens to be Minniecon’s idol). Like Henry, Minniecon is supremely confident on the ball. He’s got the pace to take on players at will, and the skill to go with it. While he’s not as prolific as the Frenchman (just yet), Minniecon has the killer instinct and that important penchant for scoring goals.

What’s his story?

The Minniecon story begins in Canberra, where at ten years of age he first took to the field with Bluelight Soccer Club. The following year, his family moved to Brisbane, where he continued to play junior football at Loganholme and then Beenleigh.It wasn’t until Minniecon moved to Queensland Lions as a 15-year-old that he began to get noticed. His form in front of goal generated interest from the Queensland Academy of Sport, and before too long he was invited into the program. By now, everyone’s ears were pricked and aware of this new talent, and without skipping a beat, Minniecon was invited to join the AIS. His natural evolution in becoming a professional footballer continued in 2007 when he was handed trials firstly with Queensland Roar (under then coach Miron Bleiberg) and then with Perth Glory. After spending a month with the Glory, he was offered a contract, but was spared from moving away from home when Farina — fresh from revealing young sensations Michael Zullo and Robbie Kruse to the A-League scene — offered the young striker a spot in his team.In his A-League debut against, you guessed it, Perth Glory, Minniecon destroyed the opposition, creating two goals and scoring one himself. Farina had struck again.For a young striker with impressive reports on his development, Minniecon has done well to keep a lid on things. His mental attitude and approach to the game are values Farina rates highly, along with his willingness to learn and listen to what he and others have to say. If he keeps his eyes and ears open, there’s no saying how far this young gun can go.

− John Iannantuono

What do they say?

“He’s lightning, both with the ball at his feet and without the ball. He’s learning his trade; he just has to get that consistency within his game, where he’s able to produce week-in, week-out, and that’ll come. In terms of having the attributes to achieve, he’s certainly got it.”

– Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina

“He’s a quick player with a lot of prospects. Most defenders would find it hard to try to contain him. He’s quick, he has a few tricks up his sleeve and he’s very direct. I think a lot of people would find it tough to stop him.”

– Queensland Roar team-mate, Danny Tiatto

“The player I try most to imitate is Thierry Henry. I’ve watched him ever since I was young and he’s my favourite player.”

– Tahj Minniecon