The impending departure of the Brazilian from Melbourne Victory is set to leave a gaping hole in the side’s creative stocks
The announcement that the out of contract Finkler was going to follow fellow teammate Kosta Babarouses and sign for the Wellington Phoenix at season’s end came with a mixed reception. Many Victory fans see this as a blessing as his output has dropped significantly this past campaign, while many are saddened by another creative loss for next season. The rumours of this exit has been spreading like wild-fire since his exclusion from the Kevin Muscat’s Asian Champions League squad and now the pressure is on the coach to find a replacement.
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Jesse Makarounas
The former Perth attacking-midfielder is in to his third year at the club and has yet to uncover his full potential. For three long years, he has patiently waited and at 21, the time is now to break into the Victory side.
With Finkler’s departure, the opportunity could not have suited Makarounas more, showing glimpses of what he can do when given the chance at a highly impressive level. This season he has played an extra six games compared to last and has featured prominently off the bench, with the occasional start.
Kevin Muscat could cut his losses and give him the chance to impress with a run in the starting XI. His potential is still raw and with his young age, this could lead to the development of an extremely talented attacking-midfielder.
Kieran Dover
A youth player at the Victory, having only played once in the senior side. The English born central-midfielder could be set for a senior contract next season if Muscat looks towards an internal approach. His talent has been watched with great interest from many of the Victory staff, with the idea of a run in the senior squad on the cards.
By developing the youth within their side, it could work in the favour of the Victory by presenting Dover the opportunity to flourish and take a similar approach to his predecessor Postecoglou. Who in his only full season at the club left the Victory with numerous youthful talents in their senior squad – such as Jason Geria, Scott Galloway and Connor Pain among others.
If the Victory follow this blue-print, the same result may be on the cards for Muscat and a long-term plan for success could be in the works.
Dimitar Berbatov
Could arguably one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Premier League history be on his way to the A-League?
The ultimate “football hipster” and former Tottenham, Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen striker looks to be on the Victory’s cards for next season. With the opening up of an international visa spot, the Bulgarian could be set to continue his career in the A-League. Plying his trade for Greek side PAOK at this present time, his contract ends at the end of the season. According to Greek media publication Media24, he is linked to the Navy Blue side of Melbourne and Korean side Pohang Steelers.
The question is, how does Berbatov replace Finkler if they play such differing roles? A formation change could be on the cards with Berbatov now partnering Besart Berisha and a 4-4-2 may be on course for implementation. At 35-years-old, his quality in front of goal is still as prime as ever and he could be a valuable asset as a short-term prospect.
Brett Holman
A man with sixty-three Socceroo caps and European credentials could be the perfect replacement for the Brazilian. Both playing similar roles and a return to Australia for the first time in 15 years could be the chance that Holman needs to finish his career on a high note.
Even though he is Sydney born, the former AZ Alkaamar, Aston Villa and Excelsior midfielder could be set for a return to the A-League. His contract at Emirates Club comes to an end at the conclusion of this season. At 31-years of age, he still has a good three or four years left in him and could be a viable acquisition for the Victory.
Chris Ikonomidis – loan
The Lazio-owned youngster is also proving to be an interesting choice for Muscat to replace Finkler. Ikonomidis’ opportunities for the Biancocelesti have been limited and has been on loan at Serie B side Salernitana. He is still only 20-years-old and has had a few call-ups to the Socceroos squad which is impressive for such a young talent.
A return to the A-League for a season could prove to be a good decision for his future. Players such as James Troisi and Matthew Spiranovic also used the A-League as a catapult to rejuvenate their careers. However, at a young age maybe just the exposure to regular football could be key for his overall development as a player. Which a loan at the Victory could be a solid decision from the youngster and one which Muscat and company could really benefit from.
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