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Jordan Rhodes: Why Huddersfield’s Newcastle Target Should Be At London 2012
With Stuart Pearce naming his 18-man squad for the Olympics, the former Manchester City manager opted against picked any Scottish or Northern Irish players. One player, after an impressive Huddersfield Town campaign, can feel very hard done by the decision.
The furore surrounding Team GB began to bubble up nicely last week when it emerged that David Beckham was to miss out on a place in Stuart Pearce’s 18-man squad. Beckham had been expected to take his place in the team following his work in helping London to secure the 2012 Olympics. However, Pearce opted against including the 37-year-old, instead choosing Micah Richards, Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy, of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool, respectively.
Many have argued that the LA Galaxy midfielder should have been picked on merit, whilst others suggest it was footballing reasons that saw former Manchester United team-mate Giggs picked ahead of his former team-mate. The fact that the Welshman is still plying his trade at the highest level may have edged it for the 38-year-old. Many speculated as to who would be selected for the final 18, one that was to not include Tottenham Hotspur duo Jake Livermore and Gareth Bale, both of whom were ruled out through injury.
Nevertheless, once the announcement had been made on Monday afternoon, many were shocked to find there were to be no players from Scotland or Northern Ireland in Team GB. The former Manchester City manager, instead, called upon 13 England players and a further five from Wales. A talking point to say the least, especially with the likes of Scottish duo Matt Phillips and Barry Bannan and Northern Irish pairing Shane Ferguson and Corry Evans just four players that warranted a place in the team.
The former Manchester City manager, instead, called upon 13 England players and a further five from Wales.
However, one player above most justified their call for selection under Pearce – Jordan Rhodes. The Huddersfield Town striker enjoyed a highly prolific season for the Terriers, netting 40 goals in 45 appearances. His impressive strike rate ensured Huddersfield secured promotion to the Championship via the play-offs, Rhodes himself netting twice in the three games on the path to promotion.
At just 22 years of age, many felt he was to be a shoe-in for spot in the 18-man squad, despite his lack of experience on the international stage (Rhodes has won just one cap for Scotland). Yet, Pearce felt differently about his inclusion, selecting Chelsea front-man Daniel Sturridge and Bolton Wanderers striker Marvin Sordell.
On the other hand, selecting Liverpool’s Bellamy along with Sturridge and Sordell leaves Team GB without a natural number nine. Granted, Rhodes hasn’t netted for Scotland, but the striker ratio, Sturridge aside, isn’t that impressive from the trio. Between the three of them, they have an international return of 44 goals in 121 games, 21 of which came through the Chelsea striker.
A striker of Rhodes’ natural finishing ability could’ve been exactly what Pearce needed in his 18-man squad. Overall with Huddersfield, he has netted 71 in 122 games, a strike ratio of 58%. His qualities could have been utilised by 50-year-old, especially if they are pushing for a goal or in an encounter where chances are limited.
Overall with Huddersfield, he has netted 71 in 122 games, a strike ratio of 58%.
Yet, there are two sides to the coin with the Team GB selection. Pearce has worked with a majority of the England players whilst in charge of the Under-21 side, meaning he already has a good rapport with 13 of the 18 players. Furthermore, he understands their strengths and weaknesses of the players at this disposal, whilst they would have developed a working relationship with the English participants.
Furthermore, prior to last season, Rhodes had netted just over half of his total from last season, 23 and 22 in 09/10 and 10/11 respectively. Nevertheless, he still warrants his place in Team GB and it must’ve been hard for Pearce to have not included him with his 40 goal haul.
On top of that, the 22-year-old has more first-team experience than the likes of Danny Rose and Sordell, both of which mustered just 23 appearances between them, almost half of Rhodes’ total. Whether Pearce has been swayed by the ‘false 9’ approach of Spain this summer, it remains to be seen. However, it could come back to haunt him by not choosing an out-and-out striker for the Olympics.
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COMMENTS
Don't forget his Scottish under 21 goals. An amazing record.
This is down to the Scottish FA and although Jordan is too nice a guy to do this I would have told the Scottish FA to go stuff themselves and say I'd not play for the national team again if they ruined this opportunity for me.
You mention "his lack of experience on the international stage (Rhodes has won just one cap for Scotland)" and "Rhodes hasn’t netted for Scotland" but as he played only 5 minutes or so in his one full international, I think we can forgive him. Your case might, perhaps, be strengthened by mentioning his Scotland Under 21s record, especially given that the Olympics team is also age-limited (apart from 3 players.) In the 2011-12 season, he scored 8 goals in 6 games for the U21s (including two against the Netherlands) and is the all time leading goal scorer. Craig Levein expects him to play a major role in Scotland's forthcoming World Cup qualification, expecting Rhodes to step up from U21 to the senior team without any problems. You also mention his record in seasons prior to the last one. His all-round game improved visibly last summer and he is still getting better. He does depend on good service (he's not the sort of striker who will track back to pick up the ball in midfield) and isn't the fastest but he is a natural finisher, with a real poacher's instinct, which is something that can't really be taught. He has the fastest headed hat-trick in football league history (breaking Dixie Dean's record) and can also score with either foot. He is a modest and level-headed lad, intelligent and well spoken, and would be a superb representative for Great Britain. The Olympics isn't a World Cup or European Championship. If ever there was a time to take a chance on a young, prolific striker from the lower leagues, this is it. It's a travesty that Rhodes is not in the squad and Marvin Sordell (who?) is. Perhaps Sturridge's unfortunate illness could yet give Stuart Pearce the opportunity to make up for his initial omission.
Blame Scottish FA otherwise Bannan,Rhodes wud have made the squad blindly
I assume Stuart Pearce isn't mentioning his reasons for not selecting any NI or Scottish players? However he has already said he won't be dictated to and picked the squad on football ability only. Just a coincidence then.
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