Who do we want to see in a white shirt?

On the Elijah Just note he’s rumoured to be on his way out of Horsens.

Danish media outlets are reporting his recent omission from the Horsens vs Kolding game was due to an upcoming transfer.

Rumours are clubs in Switzerland, Austria and Sweden are showing interest.

Important for the All Whites we get him playing at a higher level as he’s a key component in our attacking depth. 

martinb

It’s an interesting call on Bell and Rufer! 

If we played 3 at the back, then Payne could go into the back 3 adding a winger. Or we change him for Wilkins. 

Or we see Boxy retained. The lad is still playing a LOT of football per season in the US. So far he’s fit enough. Perhaps only Wood is playing more. 

Playing a back 3 could allow Cacace and whoever is on the right (GSR?) to bomb forward. 

Sorry to say as well that if Sarpreet can’t organise his situation I can’t see him starting. He hasn’t played much in the last two years and has yet to announce a club. 

Thomas won’t be a starter at Zwolle and is unlikely to get many minutes I’d say. His contract was announced quite late in the piece and probably includes a mentorship and leadership role within the squad, or perhaps a talismanic role! 

Andre de Jong seems to be doing well in South Africa? 

Hard to say who might break through.  Waine needs to play more, but is a chance. Just needs to change club and get playing. There seem to be a lot of young lads coming through the Nix and AFC. Perhaps we’ll see someone like  Randall or Bidois breaking through from the Olympics potentials. 

Earlier this year the rumours were that IFK Göteborg in Sweden were keen on Just. IFK Göteborg at that stage were coached by Dane Jens Askou, Just's first coach at Horsens. Askou has now left IFK Göteborg after only a season.

If Just is now to leave Horsens with immediate effect, Switzerland or Austria sort of makes more sense as they are winter leagues (though both with lengthy 1-2 month mid winter breaks). 

Sweden is a summer league, with this season already two thirds finished (played 19 of 30 rounds), and the 2025 season won't recommence until March next year. So Just goes there, settles in, plays a few games, then season is over until early 2025.

Would like to see Stanger and maybe even Gillingham involved during matches vs Pacific sides. 

Tracking his career from afar over the years, it's pretty special how he's managed to toil away from the very bottom leagues in Scotland and now early days yet in the season but Ayr looking like promotion contenders go the SPL. He's been out of sight of national side selectors for years but if he were to be getting regular minute in the SPL would that finally be enough to get Baz to sit up and take notice and demand selection ? I'd definitely like to see his hard work rewarded with a run against the OFC sides at that point.

Yeah I thought (and could be wrong) that the second tier of Scottish football would still be above LOI yet George doesn’t get a look in and pijanker is always called up, would definitely like to see George there and I’d probably drop Smith

Playing Scottish second tier and LOI should ensure you DON'T play for the AWs. Both are of a standard well below A-League. Will be interesting to see how Pijnaker goes in a half decent league.

Piney's Power Rankings are back out, but need the help of a NZ Herald subscriber.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/all-whites-power-rankings-ben-old-and-other-rising-stars-shoot-up-leaderboard/PZZTYC4CSBCS5E22GX4DN2NOVA/

I got you.

The All Whites completed their September international window with a credible 1-1 draw against the United States. As they attempt to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, who are the most important players in head coach Darren Bazeley’s stable? Jason Pine updates the All Whites Power Rankings (previous position in brackets).

50. (NEW ENTRY) Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets)

49. (42) Kyle Adams (Louisville City FC, USA)

48. (43) George Stanger (Ayr United, Scotland)

47. (NEW ENTRY) Kees Sims (GAIS, Sweden)

46. (47) Fin Conchie (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

45. (39) Lukas Kelly-Heald (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

44. (50) Jay Herdman (Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada)

43. (30) Michael Woud (Auckland FC, New Zealand)

42. (33) Dane Ingham (Newcastle Jets, Australia)

41. (45) Andre De Jong (Stellenbosch FC, South Africa)

40. (NEW ENTRY) Callan Elliot (Auckland FC, New Zealand)

39. (37) Storm Roux (Central Coast Mariners, Australia)

38. (NEW ENTRY) Oskar van Hattum (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

37. (44) Francis de Vries (Auckland FC, New Zealand)

36. (26) Niko Kirwan (Padova, Italy)

35. (38) Nik Tzanev (Northampton Town, England)

34. (24) Joey Champness (Auckland FC, New Zealand)

33. (22) James McGarry (Aberdeen, Scotland)

32. (RE-ENTRY) Jesse Randall (Auckland FC, New Zealand)

31. (20) Alex Greive (Bohemians, Ireland)

Eligible for multiple countries and yet to debut for New Zealand as he establishes himself at club level, but a player of huge potential who Bazeley is keen to involve in his squads as soon as possible.

One of a number of potential candidates to back up Libby Cacace on the left side of New Zealand’s defence. A solid A-League campaign would help his cause. Can also play on the right, and did so in the OFC Nations Cup.

Left out of the most recent squad, having opened his international goalscoring account at the Nations Cup, but has the chance to re-stake his claim for his new club in the upcoming A-League campaign.

One of the great tragedies of recent times is this generational talent has played just 19 times for his country, since debuting a decade ago. If he can put his horrendous injury history behind him, he could yet play a key role in the next few years.

Has long been considered our best domestic men’s footballer and now has the chance to perform in a professional environment and state the case for adding to his 20 caps at the same time.

Showed good energy off the bench in both matches in the most recent window, leading directly to Ben Waine’s goal against the US. Another who will look to catch the eye in the upcoming A-League season.

Having featured heavily in the last World Cup cycle, was mysteriously absent from recent squads as his club minutes dried up, but was a late inclusion in the recent tour and featured off the bench in both matches. Faces a battle though to regain his spot in a stacked defensive cohort.

A year ago he was undisputed number one but a sub-optimal last 12 months has seen him slip down the pecking order. Still a terrific goalkeeper, but faces stiff competition for international minutes.

Approaching 15 years in the national side and still adding value, particularly off the pitch. No longer a guaranteed starter, but an integral part of the All Whites’ culture and an important sounding-board for skipper Chris Wood.

The first-choice back-up left-back in the most recent squad before injury ruled him out. Quietly going about his business in the Danish top flight and improving all the time. Unlikely to unseat Cacace, but is currently next cab off the rank.

Approaching 18 months out of the national side following a hiatus in his club career, but the “Kiwi Messi” has looked sharp in pre-season for Wellington. One of our true creative talents who still has plenty to offer in a white shirt.

Somewhat fortuitously scored New Zealand’s equaliser against the USA, but showed a striker’s instinct to be in the right place. It was his first goal against non-Oceania opposition, meaning he now has half-a-dozen for New Zealand. Wood’s most obvious heir-apparent who now needs consistent club minutes (and goals) to further boost his confidence and CV.

Has shown remarkable improvement in the past two years, going from fringe player to regular starter for Wellington and earning a move to the MLS. Appeals as a long-term fixture in the heart of the All Whites defence.

Still a teenager, but has been a regular in the national squad since debuting late last year. Incredibly consistent at club level and able to play centrally or at right-back. Could go to the next three World Cups.

Rumours of his apparent footballing sunset were put to bed by a terrific A-League season and goalscoring contribution at the Nations Cup. Deeply motivated to attend a World Cup, which would come 18 years after his All Whites debut.

Utterly sensational season for Wellington earned him a move to the Premier League and a loan deal back to Auckland. Debuted during the Nations Cup, was first-choice at the Olympics and in a genuine head-to-head battle with Max Crocombe for top spot in the All Whites.

One of the big movers, courtesy of a stand-out season for the Phoenix, playing every minute at the Nations Cup and starting the 1-1 draw with the United States. The Wellington skipper is improving with age and is still just 28; if Bazeley was selecting a World Cup squad today, Rufer would be on the plane.

Missed the most recent matches through injury and skipped the Nations Cup, but started the nine straight New Zealand games before that. Yet to truly fulfil his undoubted potential at international level, but is approaching the sweet-spot in his career, which hopefully will go up a notch or two in the next few years.

No one has played more often for the All Whites in the post-Covid years than the Manawatū-born attacker who has built a cohesive relationship with Cacace on New Zealand’s left side. His loan move to a club in the lower reaches of Austria’s second-tier was slightly curious, but he’ll always be a part of All Whites squads.

Our first-choice, left-sided centre-back and a player with a ceiling which isn’t close to being reached. His ability to rake 60-yard passes from the left-side of defence to right wing is a trademark and led to New Zealand’s goal against the US. Set for a big season with the A-League’s new boys which should further cement his international place.

Brought up 50 caps in the match against Mexico and continues to justify his place in New Zealand’s strongest eleven through consistent MLS minutes and incredible management of his now 36-year-old body. Will be pushed by Surman and Bindon as the World Cup approaches, but for now is the man Bazeley will look to as his defensive anchor.

Has started eight of the last nine internationals and is the undisputed number one for now, but Paulsen, Sail and others will keep him honest up to and at the World Cup. Could have done better with Mexico’s opening goal, but was superb after that, particularly against the United States.

No New Zealand player’s trajectory has been greater in the past 12 months than the now French-based midfielder. An eye-catching season for the Phoenix attracted a number of suitors and since his arrival in France, he’s impressed his coaches and earned a place in his new club’s starting eleven. Can play wide left or centrally and start matches or add impact from the bench. The world is at the feet of the 22-year-old.

No other player can do what Singh does, a point proven by his late withdrawal from the recent tour. He is New Zealand’s most creative force and the only one who can play as a true number 10. Now he’s found a new club, albeit in Portugal’s second-tier, the wide hope is he can flex his creative muscles to full effect in New Zealand’s attack.

Not quite as influential as usual in the two most recent matches, but his place in New Zealand’s best eleven is beyond doubt. At his best (which is often), he provides solidity at the base of the All Whites’ midfield, tireless dedication to the cause and an ability to gain and retain possession in the tightest of spaces. Has been integral to his club’s tilt at the Norwegian title and will be equally important in New Zealand’s run to 2026.

One of the great comforts for any coach is knowing what you’re going to get from a certain player. To that end, Bazeley never has to worry when he selects Payne; he’ll always get a wholehearted, fully committed, 100-percenter. Has quickly put distance between himself and the next best option at right-back, with the added ability to cover centre-back if needed.

One of Darren Bazeley’s main points of business is to decide on Garbett’s best position within his system (hint: it’s not as a number 10) and play him there in every game. Is best suited to a roaming number 8 role, drifting wide as required. Now playing in the Dutch top flight and added leadership to his CV at the recent Olympic Games, ahead of more experienced teammates. Will play another decade or more for his country.

The biggest gap between a starting eleven player and the rest is that between the Empoli left-back and the chasing pack. You don’t play Serie A without having a very high level of skill, fitness and pace and Cacace has all three in spades. Watching him rampage down New Zealand’s left flank is the thing which gets New Zealand football fans most excited and at just 23, his best years are ahead. They could be success-laden.

Of everyone in the current crop, Stamenic has the greatest potential and will undoubtedly play in the Premier League. Has an elegance and composure which is rare for New Zealand footballers and will only improve with more time spent in top European leagues. If he can add goalscoring to his wide array of talents, his stocks will rise even more. At just 22 years old, what a player he could - and should - be.

Captain, bona fide Premier League striker and scorer now of 71 goals in the toughest footballing environment in the world, more than Eric Cantona. The huge challenge for Bazeley is to devise a system that creates chances for his skipper and allows him to be as productive for his country during the back end of his career as he continues to be for his club. Leading the All Whites to a World Cup in 2026 and becoming New Zealand’s most-capped male player would be just reward for his ongoing and continual dedication to the white shirt.

Hard to agrue with that list. 
No Clayton Lewis? I guess his immediate future is too uncertain

Payne at 5?

Was a liability in both games - Bindon might play ahead of him as a result or Wilkins who often plays RB at a higher level.

Payne has heart, but his form recently has been very poor.

One or two bad games doesnt make his selection at 5 wrong.

He was out of season for the Sept AWs games, and not long recovered from yet another hammy strain.

But yeah a ranking at 5 is generous, especially considering he's never really played outside the ALM. 

Hey guys, thanks for reading. Tim is that high because of the huge gap at the moment between him and the next best specialist right-back. As you’ve probably worked out, the top 11 are what I currently perceive to be the best starting 11 and the top 23 is what Baze would likely pick as a World Cup squad if he was naming it today. Just my opinion though; doesn’t mean it’s right! 

Piney

Hey guys, thanks for reading. Tim is that high because of the huge gap at the moment between him and the next best specialist right-back. As you’ve probably worked out, the top 11 are what I currently perceive to be the best starting 11 and the top 23 is what Baze would likely pick as a World Cup squad if he was naming it today. Just my opinion though; doesn’t mean it’s right! 

Is Payne that far ahead of Roux or Ingham though? All three are playing at the same level, same with Elliott now that he is back. He's the incumbant, but shouldn't be a lock. 

Wilkins definately an option to as he is playing in the best league out of the 5 of them.

I guess in Baze’s eyes he is. Roux and Elliot haven’t been in AllWhites squads for a while, and Kirwan seems to have dropped out of favour too. Roux’s omission puzzles me the most; he’s a double A-League champion. Wilkins a good shout. 

MetalLegNZ

Piney

Hey guys, thanks for reading. Tim is that high because of the huge gap at the moment between him and the next best specialist right-back. As you’ve probably worked out, the top 11 are what I currently perceive to be the best starting 11 and the top 23 is what Baze would likely pick as a World Cup squad if he was naming it today. Just my opinion though; doesn’t mean it’s right! 

Is Payne that far ahead of Roux or Ingham though? All three are playing at the same level, same with Elliott now that he is back. He's the incumbant, but shouldn't be a lock. 

Wilkins definately an option to as he is playing in the best league out of the 5 of them.

 

Would be good if someone asked Baz, what’s up

Also - welcome back Liverpoolfan1! 

I was going to say last season Payne was not only reliable with on defense, but to the surprise of most of us turned up with a bucket of goals and assists too.

Just should be behind McCowatt for me. I like Just, but he's too small for international football and not playing at a decent level. 

Payne way too high, but he's there as he's got a lock on that spot for now. 

What this list shows me is we are still lacking depth. Only really 8 or 9 playing regularly at a high level (above the a league)

Really don’t agree with this, should be a lot closer to 40. He’s not even playing off the bench for a middling team:

30. (27) Matt Dibley-Dias (Northampton Town, England, on loan from Fulham, England)

Eligible for multiple countries and yet to debut for New Zealand as he establishes himself at club level, but a player of huge potential who Bazeley is keen to involve in his squads as soon as possible.

Interesting that Piney says that Marco has been looking sharp in preseason, because I think if he gets back to close to his best that he might be our best option for the left side of our front 3. He looked electric on the left vs Qatar last year. McCowatt/Singh to be the other player in our front 3 (or both, if we play a 4-2-3-1). Old hasn't looked particularly good as a left winger for the All Whites, I think his best position might actually be on the left of a midfield 3, but he's a bit of a luxury player in that position, hard to do that against a superior international side. And while Just has been solid and looks classy, he just hasn't shown the end product to be starting for us. 

Hope we see Roux in the coming windows, I don't mind Payne at RB, he is defensively sound enough, but doesn't seem to offer much going forward internationally. We know him well enough by now that it isn't likely he is going to get any better at this stage in his career, and it is one of the obvious places in the side that would be nice to upgrade. Would be good to see if Roux can do better, or maybe we will be lucky and Elliot or Sheridan will really step up over the next two years and make that position theirs. 

Personally I think you’ve pretty much aced it mate. Everyone will have their own opinions, but I think I’d have Payne lower and Surman a bit higher outside that I can’t really argue much.

Great content as always Piney! 

Piney

Hey guys, thanks for reading. Tim is that high because of the huge gap at the moment between him and the next best specialist right-back. As you’ve probably worked out, the top 11 are what I currently perceive to be the best starting 11 and the top 23 is what Baze would likely pick as a World Cup squad if he was naming it today. Just my opinion though; doesn’t mean it’s right! 

Jay Herdman has just gone on loan to Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League. You may recalls that Myer Bevan was with Cavs last season. They are usually one of the top teams in the league and will be contending for a title this fall. It will be interesting to see how much he plays and how well he fares. 

Piney

Hey guys, thanks for reading. Tim is that high because of the huge gap at the moment between him and the next best specialist right-back. As you’ve probably worked out, the top 11 are what I currently perceive to be the best starting 11 and the top 23 is what Baze would likely pick as a World Cup squad if he was naming it today. Just my opinion though; doesn’t mean it’s right! 

Just wanted to stop by and say that I love the Football Fever podcast.  In a strange way it makes me look forward to Mondays. Pase bring Chotey back for a few episodes. 

That's really kind, thank you. Chotey a great shout for a guest slot!

Procrastinixing

Piney

Hey guys, thanks for reading. Tim is that high because of the huge gap at the moment between him and the next best specialist right-back. As you’ve probably worked out, the top 11 are what I currently perceive to be the best starting 11 and the top 23 is what Baze would likely pick as a World Cup squad if he was naming it today. Just my opinion though; doesn’t mean it’s right! 

Just wanted to stop by and say that I love the Football Fever podcast.  In a strange way it makes me look forward to Mondays. Pase bring Chotey back for a few episodes. 

Oh my god, I'm fan girling hard out right now that I have received a reply from piney! 

coochiee

He was out of season for the Sept AWs games, and not long recovered from yet another hammy strain.

But yeah a ranking at 5 is generous, especially considering he's never really played outside the ALM. 

If Tim Payne is #5, I must at #4!

Marto

Playing Scottish second tier and LOI should ensure you DON'T play for the AWs. Both are of a standard well below A-League. Will be interesting to see how Pijnaker goes in a half decent league.

Not so sure about second div Scotland. ALM is a feeder league for the SPL....so it's fair to assume ALM would be lower level SPL/top level Scot Champ, where Ayr currently is.