Opinion

Rogic needs to make a move to revive his stagnant career

Socceroos star Tom Rogic should try to dribble his way out of his contract with Celtic and seal a deal in continental Europe if he is to save his stagnant career.

Rogic

Tom Rogic is on the outer at Celtic. Source: Getty Images

This seems to be the consensus among many concerned fans of the 'green and gold' who believe the attacker is too gifted to waste away in Glasgow.

The Netherlands or Belgium would be perfect for him.

It is becoming obvious that Rogic, who played for Australia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is not part of Hoops manager Neil Lennon's plans for this season.

After being used only sparingly in pre-season friendlies, he was an unused substitute and not even in the squad for Celtic's first two Scottish Premiership matches so far.

With the Socceroos expecting stiff opposition in the second stage of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, coach Graham Arnold would have every reason to be worried about Rogic's lack of game time.
Rogic is in the midst of a five-year contract with Celtic and the club would expect a hefty transfer fee for letting him go.

Finding a buyer would not be easy in the current pandemic-induced economic crisis that is affecting the world game.

Rogic's current situation in which he is not playing but unable to make a move to another club because money is tight must be hugely frustrating.

Rogic gets paid handsomely for playing a peripheral role at Parkhead but money is not all-important and any player would tell you there is no substitute for being on the park, preferably regularly.

The famous ground they call 'Paradise' must be beginning to feel like a poisoned chalice for him.

It is not up to me to tell Rogic where he should ply his trade. That's his business and no one else's.

However, the attacking midfielder who is arguably Australia's most technically gifted player would be well advised to get out of his comfort zone and entertain the idea of earning less on the continent if for nothing else than to get back in the groove and show Arnold that he could be counted on in the latter stages of World Cup qualifying.

Rogic's beautiful balance and stylish control with the ball at his feet should appeal to the Dutch and Belgian connoisseurs of fine football.

Perhaps he should try to join fellow Socceroos attacker Daniel Arzani in the Eredivisie, which is no Premier League or Bundesliga but a high-quality competition in its own right.

The precocious winger has been loaned by his parent club Manchester City to FC Utrecht after an unsuccessful two-year stint at Celtic that was severely affected by an ACL injury.
The Netherlands and Belgium have been happy stomping grounds for talented Aussies ever since Marconi striker Eddy Krncevic blazed a trail for his compatriots in the 1980s. The list of Aussies that did very well in the two Benelux countries is endless.
And Arnold, who played with distinction as a striker for Roda JC and NAC Breda in the 1990s, no doubt would be as relieved and overjoyed by a Rogic move to either country as he is with Arzani's one-year loan deal.

"It is a fantastic move for Daniel because the Eredivisie suits his style and quality," Arnold says.

"These are exciting times for him and a great opportunity to fulfil his potential. I look forward to watching him grow as a player."

The next few months are shaping as a crucial stage in Rogic's injury-hit career.

As one of Australia's finest and most influential footballers, Rogic needs to be playing regularly for his game to flourish.

The Socceroos will be following his immediate future with interest.


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3 min read
Published 11 August 2020 4:04pm
Updated 11 August 2020 4:10pm
By Philip Micallef

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