Well done on getting yourself on 442 Pippinu. I haven't watch enough Melbourne Victory matches this year to intelligently comment on this article (although I've notice that Theoklitis season has been below his usual standards this year) but it's nice to know our goal keeping stocks for the future is healthy.

However we have some talent experience goal keepers and some talent young goal keepers who are beginning there career but not much in between. I'm pretty worried having Petkovic as our second choice keeper as he played poorly whenever he is picked for the Soccerroos. Lets hope someone can step up and replace Schwarzer (and petkovic) by the time 2010 World Cup is finished.

Do you think Langerak has the potential to become a future regular soccerroos?


What do you think about the FourFourTwo article BLOG: Keeping It In Reserve?
IT'S amazing to think that Mitch Langerak only turned 20 within the last couple of months, playing in a position where players are normally reaching the peak of their careers in their 30s.

Have your say.

Thanks for the comment dasilva! I actually didn't realise I would be up today, Wednesday will be my regular spot.

Re Mitch - as you say, we have stacks of young goalkeeping talent at the moment, so it's hard to say who amongst that group is likely to forge a 15 year international career in the manner of the Schwatter.

But early signs are that Mitch will give it a shake, and I'm more than happy that he chose to stay with the Victory when a move back North would have seemed a straightforward decision for him. It also says a lot about the club, management and the coaching staff that they were able to retain him.

A good read Pippinu.

I can't believe Mitch is only 20 too! I think he's even bigger/taller than Michael (and probably still growing). He's going to be a mountain. Definitely one to watch.

Muscat probably threatened to beat him up if he left.

Pip, I am happy you and Neil are the chosen ones. I can see theo trying it OS next year and I think that is probably one of the big reasons that Mitch decided to stay.

Number 1 at a big club with a settled defence is going to be better than going to the new Perth Glory (at least in their first season).

Much as you might hate to lose him, it would be good to see a kid like this hit the big time and graduate from the A-League to a big European club. Looking around the A-League for the next Kewell, Viduka or Schwarzer, I can't see a whole lot of other contenders right now.

Congratulations pippinu,

well done for being selected by KA. I thought you were much younger until I saw your photo... :lol:

=d> =d> =d>

Great read. Intelligent, funny, professional and very smooth and easy to read. Was expecting you to be a lot more biased, but I agree with everything you said (even the stuff I didn't/don't know 8-[ )!!

For some reason, I seem to like Langerak a lot more than Vukovic. I hope this kid keeps his act together and can shine in the HAL - he'll get picked up by NQFC or one of the new HAL clubs in the coming seasons as a starting keeper. The future looks promising between the sticks.

EDIT: Sorry, just saw here that he has already signed with NWFC. :P

Edited by martyB: 27/10/2008 12:31:18 PM

Thanks for the comments TT.

Langan
heh, heh, your observation may have more than a hint of truth in it! (many MV supporters have mentioned in the past that Muskie is more than a little influential around the club)

Thanks for the commen Olrac.

I agree with our assessment - that had to be something happening behind the scenes to help make the decision to stay.

Hi Gaz.

That's true - but that could easily wait a few years and still allow him a 10 year career overseas.

Your big three names are pretty close to the mark. You could add Bozza in there, and even Zelic must come close to slipping into 3rd spot. No question at all about Kewell and Dukes taking up 1st and 2nd (at this moment).

Timmy is threatening to crash the party.

Thanks for the feedback Marty - much appreciated.

Don't hold that against me!

It only changes the perception I take from your comments. With age comes experience.

I still despise your bias toward everything not MVFC but I suppose that means your a devoted fan.

Bias? Who, me?

:-$ ;)

For those interested, here's an article written in the MVFC Blog over a year ago that goes into a bit more detail about Mitch's playing history before he was signed by the Victory:

http://www.mvfcblog.com/category/players/mitchell-langerak

Edited by pippinu: 28/10/2008 02:22:56 PM

Edited by pippinu: 28/10/2008 02:26:06 PM

I agree Langerak is a very good keeper - Melbourne are very fortunate to have two keepers of particularly high standard - good article pippinu.

Only part i'd take issue with is:

'With Theoklitis red-carded at the 30th minute after lashing out at Petrovski's close attention (with the sort of antics that only Sasho dares to get away with'

Methinks one Kevin Muscat is also the master of 'antics' that get up the nose of opponents, and or overplay a minor indiscretion. They are both very shrewd competitors.

Thanks for the comments Marcus - and your point is well made re Muskie!

You'll agree that for the most part, the article was fairly uncontroversial, so I chose to introduce a tiny, tiny bit of parochialism. I trust you would not try and deny me that small privilege! :d

I'd say that Mark Birighitti has earned himself a bit of a write up after tonight's performance.