The Kiwi left-back has been in sensational form throughout the whole A-League competition, and looks ready for that step up to European football.
Linked
He’s already been linked with moves away, and Talay thinks that Liberato Cacace is ready for the challenge.
“He’s done exceptionally well this season I think he’s gone to another level in the way that he’s playing. I think he’s at the stage where he takes the next step.”
Important
The 19-year-old has played 92% of the team’s minutes this season as his game has gone from strength to strength. Talay demands the same sort of physical response from his full-backs as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp does, and a big part of Cacace’s game is his ability to cope with those intense demands.
It’s why we’ve seen Callan Elliot given a chance at right-back, and Cacace’s excellent fitness levels and Talay said his dynamic presences should serve him well when it comes to adapting to life in Europe.
“He’s a massive player for us the way that we play, the width that he gives us and the energy. He’s a very dynamic player.”
Undroppable
Cacace has only missed six games since making his debut at the start of the 2018/2019 season, and has the chance to leave the club with their first ever A-League title. With just 59 competitive appearances for Wellington Phoenix, the homegrown boy has every chance of departing New Zealand as a legend.
By following in Sarpreet Singh’s footsteps and moving to Europe, he can help establish a production line of Kiwi talent that earns the Nix money and shows starlets from around the region that Wellington is the place to be.
Production Line
This is certainly an element of the Phoenix that Talay wants to develop.
“He’s (Cacace) come through as a youngster, come through the Academy, which is great for Wellington Phoenix and this is a pathway for the most talented Kiwi players to come through the Academy and play professional football at the Phoenix.”
So if it’s Singh last season and Cacace this, who could be next?
Next?
21-year-old Elliot has made an instant impact at right-back, but Talay is spoiled for choice in that position. 19-year-old striker Ben Waine has come through the Academy and made 15 A-League appearances this season, while 21-year-old Callum McCowatt has played 25 games during his debut season as a professional.
That production line looks well stocked.