Aussie Boy Gets the Praise

Fact:

Harry Kewell is an Australian international playing for Liverpool Football Club. Having spent much of his past few months on the sidelines following a career-threatening injury, he is now back on the field and looks like to be in the contention for a first team’s place once again.

I could not help but smiled all the way through the 90 minutes of Liverpool’s 4-1 thumping of Porto in the UEFA Champions League match this morning, thanks to the match commentator of the Australia owned SBS channel, who in my judgment is an Australian himself.

Harry Kewell did not start the match. He only entered the fray midway through the second half. But that does not mean there would not be any mention of his name, in fact more than anyone else on the field.

Repeated every 5-7 minutes, was this line;

“Of course Liverpool has excellent options on the bench, with Kewell ready to be played anytime following his brilliant performance last weekend..”

I did not get to watch last weekend’s league match, but the general response from fans, from what I read suggested that Kewell’s display was just mediocre.

Then when there were mistakes by one or two players, here is what you heard;

“Ryan Babel does not seem to be playing well at the moment. We probably have a good chance to see Harry Kewell’s soon in replacement of the young Dutch..”

“Perhaps it’s a good time for Rafa to start thinking of bringing in Harry Kewell. We all know the extra dimension provided by him from the left flank of the field..”

Finally, Kewell was in, much to the delight of this commentator.

“Kewell finally comes in, certainly he will bring a new spark to Liverpool’s attacks..”

The first five minutes or so were not really good for this Australian chap, with at least a couple of turnovers to his name. But nothing in this world could seemingly stop this commentator;

“We could clearly see Kewell’s instant impact on the field. His introduction has certainly triggered Liverpool forward..”

I know he is your compatriot, but a mistake is still a mistake, admit it.

By this time I was already tired of trying to get his lines. Perhaps sensing my displeasure, this commentator decided to eventually opt for this line;

“Well not only because he’s an Australian, but considering his long injury lay-off, this kind of performance is certainly a good way of replying Rafa’s faith in him..”

No you do not have to explain that, we already knew.

Not that I have anything against the player; in fact Kewell has been one of my favourite in the team. Besides, he had some magical moments in the game, especially in the build-up of the team’s crucial second goal. But the commentator’s drama, while was proven to be something enjoyable at first, grew to become irritating at times.

Looking from the other side of the coin though, the commentator really makes a perfect example of glorifying home-grown players, which in one way or another translates into supports from channel viewers. Hasbullah Awang, Abu Bakar Atan and their colleagues should learn this trick.