Riquelme being offered to A-League.(@Ozfootballnews)

With the Marques we have now, I think we have moved past him, all 3 Marques have come straight from playing at a high level, requelme has been out of big leagues for a while

Not saying this would be the case here, maybe he would be an excellent signing, but clubs need to be careful they are not fooled by an over the hill name who just wants the money.

Not sure if he would achieve what a marquee would need to achieve in regards to crowds and shirt sales. thats why i think the league needs a 3 marquee rule, so if someone signed him they could still sign a more famous marquee.

with the cap covered now i think the league could do it.

If he is fit he would do great.

He carried his team to the Copa Final... He may not have the speed, but his class is there to see... Sign him up Roar (or Beckham)! They probably need a defender though...

WOH.



Interesting, considered, comments guys - In regards to the doubts, understandable, but Roar #1 also consider that Riquelme played last year with Boca Juniors in Argentina's top division and ended his spell there, played the last games, in June/July. That's quite comparable to ADP and Heskey's scenarios in terms of time between last professional games/clubs and joining the A-League. But flipside, they have been here a couple months now - while Riquelme has been out of it those couple months longer.

The more the season gets into it and the longer the spell, the harder it may be to get even him, or any player, into gear.

Same concerns are growing for Kewell.



And in regards to Riquelme - There can be legitimate concerns over 'motivation' like 'Reds are Best' touches on. Riquelme's career, his tendencies, he was always one of those South American's abroad who 'got homesick' at times and struggled to adapt in Europe at times? That's partly why he returned to Boca when he did? And he was never going to be one of those Argentineans who would go to the EPL - not only because of his style of play and physique etc... but adapting culturally you'd think too. And tying with that - his loyalty to Boca and to a lesser degree Villareal, is kind of legendary?

FLIPSIDE - ADP was loyal and loyalty can be a positive virtue, and in Riquelme's case he could've chased the money many times - be in the Mid East right now - but again,

If Riquelme hasn't even gone to the Mid East, C-League or MLS, would Riquelme be genuinely motivated to make the trek here and spend a good year/8 months or so, being a star Marquee over here in English speaking Australia/Whoop Whoop and it's more physical league?

But in the end, in regards to He AND Kewell - both are genuine class and if both are genuinely motivated (Aussie Kewell and prior A-League experience here is proven), then you have to jump!



Nah, bridge too far that idea - let's not get too carried away - even WITH cap covered a few clubs will still be struggling to break even! And many, like The Mariners, AU and Phoenix, aren't inclined towards huge name marquees anyway, heck you can even include Wanderers in there - They did pip for Ono over over-expensive Ballack!

Yes, in regards to publicity, hype and mainstream awareness, Riquelme's no David Beckham (WHO is?), but make no mistake, this guy would be as big a Marquee as we've ever have, even ADP! Genuine, World Class player and kind of legend of Argentina and Boca (Relatively minor compared to Maradona, but then most are over there?).

And his technical ability - Our league and few in the world, will have seen anything like it.

But again - Would he be more Guest Stint material? I couldn't see him being too keen with our long and rigorous off/pre-season and even a full season here - I'm not sure. He'd be a hard catch if we're speaking in terms of fishing. Harder than ADP and Beckham really.

Would be supreme coup for A-League - because IF he came here he would have to be motivated enough, as he could easily be earning more elsewhere or playing in stronger leagues including back home with Boca. So like ADP, it would be 'project Australian football' 'New Chapter/Adventure: Australia' or something. Flipside, with his reputation and pride, he couldn't possibly be a Jardel-turn up for the paycheck-type, otherwise he wouldn't come at all?

Not sure how strong his 'English' is either.

But still - he's being 'offered' then who knows? IF he's genuinely interested, then that's half the deal, right there?

But actually, in the end, my sentiments I would be quite happy for it to remain as is - 3 High Profile marquees this season are just enough to significantly boost attendances at atleast the Heskey and ADP fixtures, hopefully every fixture the Jets and SFC play this season and with TV viewing we've seen the ratings pick up especially for matches involving all 3 teams. And with the new deal looming, promising to help sustain long in-the-red clubs, or atleast help them in that goal, covering the $700k short-fall in their Salary Cap ATLAST, it may not be too hard to consolidate to a degree.

ricquelme is as big as ballack and bigger than heskey but not so big that he couldnt come to a side like ccm who have a foriegn marquee spot open i believe

p.s. any evidence for this rumour?
cant find any on google news

Riquelme said when he finished up last season that he had nothing left to give. He was reported to be exhausted by the years of training and keen on the easy life.

If he came here showing his true brilliance, he'd be an amazing addition to the league - but if he comes intent on coasting in an inferior league, he'll look quite terrible.

On talent I'd take Riquelme over ADP, Ono, and Heskey any day of the week, the man is a phenomenon.

If his head was screwed on and he actually was willing to work rather than make a pay day then he would be a phenomenal signing. This man has still been pulling the strings with Boca at a good competitive level of football and is imo one of the most naturally talented footballers of the past couple of decades, he has the talent to absolutely rip it up still but who knows where he's at mentally.

Have a feeling if he were to come here, he would just look at it as a paid holiday.