OPINION: The All Whites showed some promise at the Confederations Cup in Russia, but ultimately came away with three losses.
With World Cup qualifying on the horizon later this year, here’s four things we learned from their campaign in Russia.
Still lacking consistency in their approach
Coach Anthony Hudson has made no secret of his desire for the team to play, attacking, possession-based football, with plenty of pressing up the pitch.
While this was on show against Mexico and, at times, Portugal, New Zealand often go back to playing long-ball football in a team ill-suited to that approach. This was most evident in the warm-up fixture against Belarus, and the opening defeat to Russia.
The team look the most effective when they put the ball on the deck, and get it into the feet of Marco Rojas and Ryan Thomas early. Auckland City midfielder Clayton Lewis is another player who suits this passing game, and he showed his instinctive ability to find captain Chris Wood against Mexico.
Thumping it long from the back towards Wood is a flawed approach, and a hindrance to their progress. It will be fascinating to see what style we see against the Solomon Islands later this year.
The wingback spots are wide open
None of the wingbacks in the squad stepped up to nail down a starting position during the tournament. On the right, Kip Colvey played against Russia but didn’t impress.
18-year old Dane Ingham was then given the nod for the next two games, and although he has plenty of potential and is good going forward, he was exposed badly at the back. On the left, Deklan Wynne played the first two games and was reasonably solid.
Phoenix left-back Tom Doyle was then given a crack against Portugal and put in a committed showing, but was guilty of some defensive errors. Hudson’s preferred 3-5-2 system means there’s plenty of demand for wingbacks, but after this tournament, it’s anyone’s guess who will start.
Ryan Thomas is the future
This was the stage where midfielder Ryan Thomas showed just how good he is. Comfortably New Zealand’s best player over the three matches, the attacking talent has also added a massive work-rate and defensive skills to his game.
He puts in a whole-hearted performance every match, and is the New Zealand player who seems to have the most time on the ball, and the most competent passing range.
In the opening match against Russia, Thomas made the most interceptions, joint-most tackles, and joint-most shots, summing up his all-round contribution. The heartbeat of this team, and now the third-best player in the side. At just 22, he has a massive future with the All Whites.
McGlinchey vs Tuiloma
Phoenix midfielder Michael McGlinchey has been seen by Hudson as one of the most crucial players in his system, yet the 30-year old struggled in Russia.
He was strangely subbed in the first half against Portugal, with Marseille midfielder Bill Tuiloma replacing him for a more physical and defensive presence. Being dragged so quickly was unusual, but Tuiloma replacing him wasn’t. The 22-year old is often the first man off the bench to add a bit of punch to the game, but McGlinchey’s flat performances could elevate Tuiloma into the starting 11.
Tuiloma was impressive against Northern Ireland, and could be the better option to screen the back three and allow the likes of Thomas to push forward into dangerous areas. Hudson does seem reluctant to give him a start however, so it is another contentious selection to keep an eye on.
Henry Rounce is a sports reporter for RadioLIVE.
