While much attention was given to Harry Kewell’s transfer to Melbourne Victory, Tim Cahill, the Socceroos star, believes that the acquisition of Brett Emerton by Sydney FC is the “biggest catch in the history of Australian football.”
However, the fact that two of the Socceroos’ most prominent figures are making their return to the A-League will not induce homesickness for Cahill anytime soon. On Tuesday, he welcomed Emerton into the Socceroos’ Brisbane camp ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Thailand scheduled for Friday night. This occurred just hours after the 32-year-old was officially introduced as Sydney FC’s marquee signing.
Kewell will miss Australia’s first two World Cup qualifiers due to fitness issues stemming from his search for a new club. That search concluded when he joined the Victory, arguably marking the biggest signing across any Australian football code. Cahill expressed that Australia now possesses the depth to compensate for players like Kewell, yet he emphasized that Brett Emerton is irreplaceable. “For me, Brett Emerton is the heart and soul of the Australia team,” Cahill remarked on Wednesday. “Learning of his signing with Sydney FC— that must be the biggest catch in the history of Australian football. “He is someone who conducts his business quietly, and he is the best player I have ever trained and worked with. “Sydney FC has been very shrewd to secure the Emerton deal.”
Though Cahill did not dismiss the possibility of following in his friend’s footsteps, he emphasized it wouldn’t be soon. “I can’t see myself returning soon,” he stated. “I am enjoying the Premier League and the benefits it brings to children in Australia through my ambassador role. “Not in the near future— but maybe later in life, who knows.”
Cahill stressed that the experience that players like Emerton bring would be crucial in navigating their first two World Cup qualifiers, including an encounter with Saudi Arabia in Dammam. However, he seemed unfazed by Kewell’s absence. “Of course, we will miss his experience,” he acknowledged. “But I believe our depth is impressive, especially after witnessing players like Michael Zullo, James Troisi, or Adam Sarota emerging. I concentrate on our current roster and the contributions of players to the team. I was thoroughly impressed with what I observed during the recent friendly against Wales—the training, our mindset, and how we approached football—the goals flowed naturally.”
Kewell, Emerton, and Cahill are all associated with what was labeled a “golden generation” in Australian football. Yet, Cahill feels another generation is already on the rise. “It was incredible to be part of that era and now to progress into this era with these young players,” he remarked regarding the Socceroos’ youth.
“Every time I come into camp, I discover something new about the emerging talent— the transition is seamless.”
by Buford Balony
