Kewell Redux
My last word on the Kewell-Liverpool debate, on April 27th 2005, was that his commitment to the club inspite of his injuries could be enough to rejuvenate the Kop faithful’s belief in him. He eventually came on as a late substitute against Chelsea in the Champion’s League semi-final, and put in a solid performance to keep the score locked at 0-0, which lead to Liverpool’s now infamous date in Istanbul.
Perhaps Benitez, more than most, were impressed at Kewell’s efforts in London by starting him in the Champion’s League final. Unfortunately this would serve as the catalyst for arguably Kewell’s most embarrassing moment in his career - limping off in the 22nd minute after his hamstring ligament finally broke. Vladimir Smicer added salt to the wounds: after replacing Kewell he scored Liverpool’s second goal during their inspired second half fightback.
Nonetheless, Kewell celebrated with his team mates, a shiny Champion’s League medal around his neck. Smicer did as well - however two months later he would be transfered to Bordeaux. Kewell remained at the club, and during the frenetic transfer window, not even a whisper of his name was heard - until he announced a hernia injury would prevent him from starting the new Premier League season.
Whether its tragic luck or an unwillingness to put the team before his own well-being (as in ‘playing through the pain barrier’), Kewell has been transformed from the poster boy of Australian football into one of the great lame ducks of the Premier League. I truly hope Kewell’s form improves; but for the moment, the eyes of Australian pride must now cross Merseyside to Everton: its hersey as a Liverpool fan, but not as an Australian: bring on Tim Cahill.