Exclusive Interview: Brett Holman - Socceroo Enigma

For many, Brett Holman has had more than enough chances for the Socceroos.

With just one goal for the national team since making his debut three years ago, the attacking midfielder has represented the quintessential football enigma with his relentless effort but questionable product for the national team, failing to reproduce the same precision in the final third that he has done at club level.

Indeed, the fact that he has established himself in the AZ Alkmaar first-team this season as they look to defend their Eridivise crown and compete in the UEFA Champions League would seem to suggest that Holman is doing something right in the Netherlands.

But why does it all seem to go so awry in the final third when he dons a green and gold jersey?

Goal.com caught up with the 25 year-old following another missed opportunity against the Netherlands...

Goal: I suppose sometimes, like against the Netherlands, it just doesn’t seem to click for you in the final third?

BH: Yeah definitely. I think it wasn’t the best of games, it wasn’t the prettiest. We virtually had to fight for 90 minutes and it was a good result in the end but you work so hard for that one chance and you finally get it and you can’t put it away and that’s very frustrating. You always think you’re going to get one of those chances in the game and you actually finally do and it doesn’t go in the back of the net. Disappointing but a good result I suppose.

Goal: Watching some highlights of you in action for AZ Alkmaar, you seem to finish so well both in front of goal and in terms of assists. Why is that final product lacking for the Socceroos?

BH: I’m asking myself the same question I think. You know that you’re always getting chances there [at Alkmaar] every week and I suppose that might be the difference - with the Socceroos it’s once in a while. But there shouldn’t be any difference; it’s still the same sized goal and still the same ball so sometimes you need a bit of luck going your way to have a good shot and see it go in.

Goal: You started on the wing against the Netherlands and then pushed into a more central role and looked more comfortable in the second half. Are you still settling in to the Australian side and finding your niche?

BH: I think so. I’m doing the player role where I’m playing on the outside for AZ. I think you get used to certain players as well, how they think and how they feel, what their strong points and weaknesses are and I think I’m always used to that middle role. I always like playing with Harry [Kewell] to be fair because we’ve got a good click. It’s always searching and finding sometimes when you’re trying out a new role but it’s getting better and you’ve just got to look at the positives of course.

Goal: You seem to be criticized for your lack of finishing and final ball for the Socceroos but perhaps people simply don’t realize the hard work you do off the ball, creating space for others?

BH: You try and leave everything out there on the pitch. I’m not the prettiest footballer, I’m not there to score the scissor kicks and do the back-heels. Sometimes the hard work involves doing the dirty work and letting the other good players – Timmy Cahills, Harry Kewells – score all the goals. It’s always nice to pop up like today and maybe finish one and I wish I could have scored today but I’m still working on those things and hopefully it keeps getting better.

Goal: Tim Cahill and Pim Verbeek gave you a huge endorsement the other day at a press conference. Does it help to have the support of your teammates?

BH: I suppose. I don’t know what they said, I didn’t read anything but it’s a good group and I get along well with everybody. I always love coming into camp and every time I get picked I’m excited so I’m always going to work hard at AZ and hopefully keep getting picked.

Goal: You’ve also broken into the AZ Alkmaar staring line-up this season and are playing UEFA Champions League football. Does that give you more confidence when you put on a green and gold jersey?

BH: I think it does in a way. When your playing bigger games then you get more used to playing with bigger players and bigger teams. That definitely helps.

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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