Interview With Nikolai Topor-Stanley

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I am going to delay the publishing of the assessment of the other clubs for this exclusive interview.

Since I am writing about young players, I guess this interview with Nikolai Topor-Stanley is very appropriate. Nikolai was the bolter in Pim Verbeek’s squad against Qatar and the current Olyroo could soon find himself donning the senior shirt. Despite Perth struggling this season, Nikolai had a standout season, helping the Olyroos to qualify for Beijing and scooping a treble of awards in his debt season for Perth (Most Glorious Player of the Season Award, Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year). If you ever want to leave Perth Nikolai, we’d be happy to have you back in Sydney!

PC: What is the biggest strength and weakness in your present game?

Nikolai: Biggest strength I guess is my aerial ability and the fact that I’m a natural left footed defender which is rare. I also feel like my ability to read the game defensively and getting into attacking positions is getting stronger and stronger. As for weaknesses, seeing as I’m quite a tall bloke, my footwork and acceleration can always improve.

PC: You won the Most Glorious Player of the Season Award. How do you personally rate your reason?

Nikolai: Personally I felt my form was good in patches although travelling back and forth with Olyroos commitments made it difficult to find momentum and consistency.

PC: It seems inevitable that you will move to a foreign league. Any preferences and do you think you are ready for the rigors of a foreign league and country?

Nikolai: I really hope your right in terms of moving overseas! Playing in any of the top leagues in Europe is definitely a goal of mine but obviously countries that come to mind are England, Italy, Spain, Germany and so on. I was once told that I would suit the German style of football but haven’t heard too many nice things about the country since then! Whether I’m ready or not can only be answered when or if I go over.

PC: You are one of the more senior players in the Olyroos’ squad that will play Mexico. Since Milligan is out, will you be putting your hand up for the armband?

Nikolai: Although I am one of the senior players in the team I don’t think I’m “captain material” lol. I mean I wouldn’t mind putting the armband on just this once but at the moment I think I’m better use to the team being left to my own devices on the left lol.

PC: Can you reveal why you left Sydney FC?

Nikolai: Frankly, I left Sydney because they didn’t offer me a wage I could live off. They actually offered me a pay decrease from what they were paying me in the first year as a replacement player which I was thought was a bit of slap in the face. Therefore it was forced me to look elsewhere for football. (PC: Yes, Sydney FC management needs a slap in the face).

Thank you Nikolai for taking some time out before the Mexico game and giving us such a candid interview. Good luck for the up coming friendly and for the Olympic games!

Thanks also to DDK from Talk A League forum for the questions he suggested, many of which were included.

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Filed under A-League, Australian Football, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Olyroos, Youth Football