The Newcastle United Jets are brim full of young talent. Stuart Musialik, Mark Bridge and Jobe Wheelhouse (both of whom missed out on the U-20 World Youth Cup due to injury), Brett Studman, Labinot Haliti. But if one individual stands out it has to be Guy Bates, an ex-Newcastle United (EPL) reserves player whose junior goal scoring exploits have no doubt left vivid memories among the Toon Army. If Bates can effectively pair up with Ante Milicic and translate all that youth potential into senior glory, opposition teams are going to have major headaches dealing with the Jets forward line. If not Bates, the same goes for highly rated Bridge. Reason: anyone attacker who finds himself in space is going to receive plenty of quality defence-splitting passes from the sublime Nick Carle.
Perth Glory's Nick Ward is already one of my favourite players in the league. His stature and calm demeanour on the field, soft first touch, shooting ability and off the ball movement are a pleasure to watch. Let's hope coach McMahon determines McMahon Jr superfluous to the club's endeavours, because Ward (along with Billy Celeski) deserves the opportunity to showcase his stuff to the Members Equity Stadium faithful on a full time basis. Nepotism cannot be allowed to negatively affect the future of local talent.
Queensland Roar's recruitment strategy has been one of the most interesting to follow. They've nabbed a pair of Koreans from the K-League, one of the most tremendous signings in the league in Alex Brosque, and plenty of local lads -- they've even slapped all things State of Origin in the face and named a New South Welshman as their inaugural captain. Another interstate import is Victorian Massimo Murdocca, who along with other youngsters Michael Baird, Jontie Richter and Matt McKay has been given a large dose of creative and attacking responsibility. If the club is going to have a successful season, these guys will have to fire. Who's to say they won't?
Sydney FC possess one of the more experienced squads in the league, but they're not short on young talent either. Head and shoulders above his teammates at the World Youth Cup, Mark Milligan is the future right fullback for the Socceroos. Currently out with the same injury affecting Harry Kewell (hernia), Milligan will likely make a quick return to the first team and stamp his class all over the league's best left midfielders, wingers and strikers. His matchups with the likes of Brown, Hutchinson, McKay, Brosque and Pantelis should be similarly as epic as his encounter with Holland and Arsenal's Quincy Owusu Abeyie (pictured).
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