Issey Nakajima-Farran to Brisbane Roar

[nolando]

While Australian football supporters may be unfamiliar with Nakajima-Farran, he is quite familiar with Australian football thanks to some local connections in Denmark.

“I’ve heard a lot about the A-League,” Nakajima-Farran said. “There are quite a few Australian players playing in Denmark.

“I know David Williams who is now at Melbourne and also (Qantas Socceroos goalkeeper) Nathan Coe.

“It was Nathan who talked me into signing for Brisbane, he told me a lot of good things about the style of play and the football philosophy of coach Ange.”

“The technical way the club plays is something which is very appealing to me.”

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/21337...-revealed.aspx

meh...

[Keano]

Why would he go there and not N.A.

[JamboAl]

Why would he go there and not N.A.

Weather and beaches are nicer? Seriously, I think this could be a good move for his career; have found the A-League to be quite a bit slower than MLS plus he has the potential to play in the Asian Champions League which isn't a bad competition. I can't say whether it would hurt or help his chances of playing for Canada but the idea of going from Brisbane to Toronto for a match can't be fun.

[redhat]

Why would he go there and not N.A.

Not too sure why ... perhaps more money? Playing time? Style of Play? Perhaps how many MLS teams prefer established Brazilians, other Latin Americans, or Europeans before offering a trial and attractive pay?

Maybe the Australian league would give him more exposure to richer Asian clubs in international club play? Regardless it's a good fit, better than 2nd division Danish league IMHO.

[Keegan]

Not too sure why ... perhaps more money? Playing time? Style of Play? Perhaps how many MLS teams prefer established Brazilians, other Latin Americans, or Europeans before offering a trial and attractive pay?

Maybe the Australian league would give him more exposure to richer Asian clubs in international club play? Regardless it's a good fit, better than 2nd division Danish league IMHO.

Issey was playing in top flight of Danish football, this is a step down for him imo but at least we know he SHOULD be a regular starter. If he can't at that level there is a problem.

FWIW Brisbane Roar were premier champions last season and each team is allowed 5 foreigners

Edit:
"In the 2010–11 A-League season, the were crowned the Premiers and Champions after a season which saw them go undefeated in 28 games, including the Grand Final. With that feat, they won automatic entry into the 2012 AFC Champions League.[2]"

That makes me feel a lot better about the move

[ThiKu]

Should feature regularly, as stated can get ACL, might be earning more money, and it's an up-and-coming league. Sounds like Kewell and some others are headed back there. It's not dissimilar to MLS...but I suspect MLS is a step-up. It's a step down from Denmark though for sure. Although soccer doesn't rule the roost in Australia it will have knowledgeable coaches, and fans. So that will be a big plus to playing there. And yes, likely some exposure to Asia and potential money-moves later.

Yes, if he can't start in Australia there is a problem.

[redhat]

Issey was playing in top flight of Danish football, this is a step down for him imo but at least we know he SHOULD be a regular starter. If he can't at that level there is a problem.

FWIW Brisbane Roar were premier champions last season and each team is allowed 5 foreigner
That makes me feel a lot better about the move

Yes, I know he played first div. Denmark but in some matches he was a sub ... perhaps it was time to move on where he would get more playing time (and possibly better pay). I was just about to say Brisbane were league champs before and for him to be included is a good thing.

As for having a lot of travel between Brisbane and Toronto, that's true, but it doesn't seem to bother the Aussie MNT players who have to travel to Europe (for friendlies) or travel to the Mid-East for qualifiers. Travel is part of the MNT adventure, like Ante Jazic had to experience when he played in Russia.

[Keegan]

Interesting to see that he just signed a year one deal as well. I think playing in the ACL is/was a major factor for Issey because of his Japanese roots, I'm sure he'd like to visit but he had poor experiences with teammates there (I believe) which might explain why he didn't sign in Japan altogether. I'm sure the Aussie lifestyle also factored in... hahah

[Grizzly]

Obviously it is better than not playing and possibly he did not have any other good offers but I am not crazy about this move. Definitely a step down in playing level and he is moving from the hub of soccer to the hinterland in the process. In fact, even compared to N.A. Australia is a soccer hinterland and almost none of its national players play in their domestic league.

I also doubt his salary in Australia will be particularly high. Yet our Canadian MLS teams have hardly any Canadians and claim there are not good enough ones available.

[Keegan]

I think the coaches quotes give a bit more insight into the move and it seems Hart has agreed that this move was a positive one as it's known by his former and now current manager that he is doing this in the interest of his international selections. Not sure exactly what style they are referring to with the Aussie league is, I did catch one Brisbane match last year on TV though they looked really impressive didn't realize they were that dominant, I would have imagined more parity in the A-League. Playing in the heat definitely won't hurt his chances of selection when it comes time to face teams in hot climates (if he stays there).

Also check this out:

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/...'new-McKay'