We’re four rounds into the A-League, and Kaz Patafta is yet to appear for his new club, the Newcastle Jets. All this after the youngster left Melbourne in search of regular game time.
So has Gary van Egmond’s decision to keep Patafta out of the squad vindicated Ernie Merrick’s decisions regarding Patafta last year?
6 comments ↓
I think it was the right move, same with Sarkies. These guys have talent but appear to be lacking the x factor, with Kaz especially his size does not help. Maybe he should have gone to Perth or Wellington for more game time, not the jets.
Clearly Ernie has been vindicated that Kaz isnt yet up to A-League standard for one reason or another.
That isnt to say though that in some games last year Kaz should have been given more of a run because we were listless and any change off the bench would have been better than watching some of last years early, and particularly mid-season, performances.
perhaps if he had Evan Bergers workrate he would be having more success. Berger is only the size of a jockey, yet he competes for everything, runs his butt off and tackles as well. Kaz needs to do the dirty work to complement the undoubted skill he has.
what we have with these guys is, they were excellent players at junior and youth level, but haven’t quite made the grade at senior level. I agree maybe Kaz should have gone to Perth for more game time. He is not lilely to be able to make that next step if he doesn’t get the opportunity. At least with the new youth league, these guys will play 90 mins each week which can only help.
At first when Ernie made the decision I was disgusted because he has the most raw talent of any of the Victory players as seen by his Benfica signing which has lately been ended by Patafta for reasons I don’t no of. But I see Ernie’s decision as one the club had to make not just him but players such as Leandro Love, Piorkowski, ext. Obviously the later had talent but he did’nt have the “x-factor” as stated above. Since those decisions the club has progressed really well. But some of Ernie’s decisions still bewilder me a la Pondeljak? Can’t get game time why did we get him then although I believe hes in our starting squad. Cheers
From an article that I read GVE has said that Kaz needs to think big. He considers himself small so he plays that way.
If Kaz can readjust his attitude then he should be able to get game time.
I still think he is has a future just needs some regular game time.
As for Ernie, well who knew that he could coach.
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