This is just my opinion, and maybe you think Im biased because Im Australian, but remember Im a huge Liverpool fan aswell, and I think english people (in particular) are overly critical of Lucas Neill because of a poorly timed tackle he made that broke a leg...One tackle doesnt make a player, and I still dont think there was mallice in the tackle.
Because of that one tackle, a guy that was statistically rated the EPLs best RB in his first full year in the position (by OPTA) and was the right back of the week more than any other player that same year, english people seem to think the guy cant play, or is overly physical. He was an absolute standout in the World Cup, and I think, along with Cannavaro, during the tournament was the best central defender out there...He didnt get in the team of the tournament, because i) he was playing for an Australian side that I cant imagine players were even really considered for the team of the tourney out of, and ii) Australia was knocked out at the Round of 16. Consider for a few of the games, Neill kept the last 30mins scoreless as basically the ONLY defender on the pitch. Emerton and Chipperfield were pushing forward as wingbacks, and we subbed off our other central defender chasing goals...Im sure anyone that saw his performances during the World Cup, I mean actually watched Australian games in the entireity and not just the highlights, would agree....Carvalho is probably a better player, but wasnt during the World Cup, which is what the side should be decided on...But hey, Neill is just that thug from that non-football nation, Australia...
Anyway, watch how he handled the Brazilian attack, in that game (how many guys can perfectly time a tackle against Ronaldinho one on one like he did), watch his performance against Italy in the Rnd of 16 (where he unfaily had a penalty given against him), watch his performance against Croatia, AND as a sole defender for the last 20-30mins against Japan....
Im sure most people dont really care, but I just get sick of people, it seems english people in particular, who just accuse him of being a thug...Do you watch the games, or just read the Sun? Im guessing that half the guys that seem to make these judgements would be Sun or Mirror readers, or even the Star, who didnt watch a small nation like Australia play in the World Cup, and probably cant count high enough to understand how someone like OPTA stats could give out player ratings...
Anyways, wanted to get that off my chest, and as a Liverpool fan, Im really hoping he joins us...As a RB or a CB (even a back up L
he would be an awesome buy...
Because of that one tackle, a guy that was statistically rated the EPLs best RB in his first full year in the position (by OPTA) and was the right back of the week more than any other player that same year, english people seem to think the guy cant play, or is overly physical. He was an absolute standout in the World Cup, and I think, along with Cannavaro, during the tournament was the best central defender out there...He didnt get in the team of the tournament, because i) he was playing for an Australian side that I cant imagine players were even really considered for the team of the tourney out of, and ii) Australia was knocked out at the Round of 16. Consider for a few of the games, Neill kept the last 30mins scoreless as basically the ONLY defender on the pitch. Emerton and Chipperfield were pushing forward as wingbacks, and we subbed off our other central defender chasing goals...Im sure anyone that saw his performances during the World Cup, I mean actually watched Australian games in the entireity and not just the highlights, would agree....Carvalho is probably a better player, but wasnt during the World Cup, which is what the side should be decided on...But hey, Neill is just that thug from that non-football nation, Australia...
Anyway, watch how he handled the Brazilian attack, in that game (how many guys can perfectly time a tackle against Ronaldinho one on one like he did), watch his performance against Italy in the Rnd of 16 (where he unfaily had a penalty given against him), watch his performance against Croatia, AND as a sole defender for the last 20-30mins against Japan....
Im sure most people dont really care, but I just get sick of people, it seems english people in particular, who just accuse him of being a thug...Do you watch the games, or just read the Sun? Im guessing that half the guys that seem to make these judgements would be Sun or Mirror readers, or even the Star, who didnt watch a small nation like Australia play in the World Cup, and probably cant count high enough to understand how someone like OPTA stats could give out player ratings...
Anyways, wanted to get that off my chest, and as a Liverpool fan, Im really hoping he joins us...As a RB or a CB (even a back up L
he would be an awesome buy...
