Beenhakker made a wise choice

Playing against Morocco in Africa, the left sided midfielder last represented the Soca Warriors in 2003 under former St Lucian coach, Stuart Charles.

The former St Anthony’s College standout will likely be an asset to join the attack on the left wing provided that Colin Samuel is injured.

A decade ago, Wise graced Major League Soccer in the United States with Tampa Bay Mutiny with dazzling dribbling skills combined with explosive pace that unsettled and frustrated defenders. His exceptional performance in both games against the Grenadians brings back vivid memories of his incredible disguising runs that fascinated the TT footballing public.

Surely his game has risen to a new dimension. Instead of outrunning and out manieuvering four to five opponents, he is now passing the ball regularly and is distributing his crosses with greater accuracy. In fact, one of his crosses resulted in Attiba Charles scoring against Grenada in the second game.

Also, his fitness as well as his agility is magnificent.

It is indeed ironic that Evans Wise, the only player, who is playing his football in Germany with Waldhof Mannheim where the World Cup will be hosted, was not even in the provisional squad.

Obviously, his German-based teammates and coaches would have asked the inevitable question, “why are you not on the team?” Leo Beenhakker who had earlier flown to Germany to see him in action should give practical consideration to the left-sided midfielder. It will be a wise choice to select a player of such quality.

Once again, it was especially reassuring to see the unmistakable Evans Wise return to the national team.

His dramatic and explosive dribbling skills will certainly serve Trinidad and Tobago’s footballing ideals in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.