Taylor was speaking ahead of the Nix’s Adelaide United clash this weekend and said the high performance level of the squad will give the gaffer a few headaches.
Return
Wellington Phoenix earned their first three points since the restart with a tough, 2-1 win over Perth Glory and will look to take that form into the United game on Saturday.
With the team under fire from a determined Glory, Talay threw on substitute defender Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi - who responded with an excellent performance and a couple of crucial headed clearances.
It’s the manner in which fringe player respond to being handed their chance that Steven Taylor likes, and it’s the strength of their character that’ll give Talay selection difficulties.
Headache
Taylor said: “The players who have come in now will give the manager headaches for the next game, and that’s the best thing we’ve got. Players are always pushing you to perform, game in, game out.”
The Kiwis have been one of this season’s surprise packages, and they currently sit one point below Melbourne City in second, but the Nix do have a game in hand. They’re playing an Adelaide team with just one win in five, but with 35 goals scored they’re no mugs going forward.
Taylor will be important in stopping United’s attacks, and he said he’ll be good to go for the fixture - despite the quick turnaround.
Ready
“I want to go again, I’m feeling good this morning, (I’ll) do the recovery stuff and I’m back into training tomorrow. Its like back in England, you get these quick turnarounds.”
The defender played most of his career for Newcastle United in the Premier League, and is used to busy schedules like this. Teams can tire in the closing stages, and it’s important for the Phoenix that everyone pulls their weight.
Luckily, Talay has crafted a squad with few egos and an excellent work rate. It’s that tendency to run themselves into the ground that Taylor appreciates the most from his men.
Fierce
“You see the lads digging in, doing a job, not just for themselves but going out of their comfort zone and helping other players around them.
“Some players had to sacrifice their positions to do a bit extra on someone else and when you’ve got that going around it shows how far we’ve come as a team.”
Wellington have come so far this season, they’re so close they can nearly taste finals football. Some sides might let their foot off the gas now, but you can be sure the Nix won’t be one of those.