On The Attack: X-factor left out, City desperate and more broken down by Marco Monteverde and Robbie Slater

Marco Monteverde and Robbie Slater tackle the biggest issues in football, from the future of Western United’s home, the summit clash and an X-factor’s divisive omission from the Olyroos squad.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Nestory Irankunda of Adelaide United reacts to a tackle in the box during the A-League Mens round 22 match between Adelaide United and Western United at Coopers Stadium, on March 29, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich-bound Adelaide youngster Nestory Irankunda’s omission from the Olyroos side sparked plenty of debate, however, Socceroos great Robbie Slater and Marco Monteverde believe the decision has merit.

Snub for ‘X-factor’

MM: Nestory Irankunda being overlooked for OIyroos selection has caused plenty of debate.

I understand that Irankunda’s welfare was considered but if you keep being told you aren’t emotionally ready, does that not have a negative effect on you?

It’s a huge gamble not picking him for these Olympic Games qualifiers, particularly when a host of Australia’s best under-23 players also aren’t in the squad because their European clubs won’t release them.

Nestory Irankunda was omitted from the Olyroos. Picture: Getty Images

RS: Maybe there is something that we don’t know, but I think Irankunda should have been selected.

He looked more than ready to me last week with the sensational hat-trick he scored.

It’s been said that he’s an emotional player, but football is an emotional rollercoaster.

Football is also about performing, and he’s performing.

We just don’t have another player like him.

People talk about an ‘X-factor’ player, and I know it’s a cliché, but he is our X-factor.

MM: There’s another X-factor type player who was named in the squad, Garang Kuol, but unfortunately he hasn’t been the same player since moving to Europe early last year.

He’s hardly been used by Volendam in recent weeks and they’re coming last in the Dutch league.

RS: So why has he been selected if he’s not playing for his club?

MM: Well, I guess Volendam were willing to release him, unlike other clubs who wouldn’t release players for Olyroos duty.

RS: Well then it’s a good chance for him to find some form because he could be crucial to our chances of qualifying, as will Marco Tilio.

They’ve both got the experience of going to a World Cup so that should come in handy.

Can City turn it around? Picture: Getty Images

Desperate times for City

MM: Tilio also needs to shine for his Melbourne City team in Saturday night’s derby against Melbourne Victory.

It’s a massive game for City after their loss to the Mariners the other night.

They’re already four points outside the top six, and it could be more by the time the derby starts.

RS: It’s getting close to must-time time for City, particularly if the sixth-placed Wanderers beat Brisbane Roar on Friday night.

That would put even more pressure on City.

MM: Something’s just not quite right at City.

RS: They just don’t look like the same side anymore, but unless you’re Manchester City, it’s hard to be on top of the league continually, and that’s even in a competition without a salary cap.

It’s even harder when it’s a salary-cap league like we have here.

MM: That’s true but for them to miss the semi-finals, which seems more likely as each week passes, it’s a huge fall from grace.

I guess it’s similar to Sydney FC a couple of years ago when they missed the six after playing in the grand final, and winning two of them, in the previous three seasons.

RS: It seems to be the end of an era for City.

MM: And maybe the end of Jamie Maclaren’s time there. He hasn’t looked like himself for about three months.

RS: He looks like he wants to leave.

Who wins on Satuday? Picture: AAP Image

Summit clash

MM: The derby isn’t the only big match on Saturday.

There’s also the top-of-the table clash between the Phoenix and the Mariners in Gosford.

If the Phoenix win, they’ll be six points clear at the top of the table and all but home in the race for the premiership.

However, if the Mariners win, they’ll draw level on points with Wellington with three rounds of the regular season remaining.

There’s everything to play for.

RS: Of course there is, and that’s what you want at this time of the season.

The Mariners are looking tired after a busy season domestically and in Asian competition but they showed great fight to come back from a goal down to beat Melbourne City the other night.

There is great spirit and tenacity in the Central Coast squad, and they’re going to need that and more to beat a Phoenix side that has the best defence in the competition.

While they may not always be pretty, the Phoenix have been extremely effective all season.

MM: And so have the Mariners for a large chunk of the campaign, so let’s hope the match lives up to the hype of a summit clash.

Time for Tarneit

MM: We also shouldn’t forget that Western United’s men’s team finally plays its first match at the club’s Tarneit base on Saturday.

Even if it’s only the training facility, at least they have somewhere to call home now after enduring a nomadic existence since joining the competition a few years ago.

RS: I’m happy they’ve got a home, but it should just be a training venue.

I don’t think it’s going to be a good look for television with a training ground with a stand on one side, but at least it’s truly a home game for a club that has suffered off the field for far too long.

Originally published as On The Attack: X-factor left out, City desperate and more broken down by Marco Monteverde and Robbie Slater