Football: Which young All Whites stood out?

Teenager Clayton Lewis enjoyed a strong debut for the All Whites. Photo / Getty

Herald on Sunday football writer Michael Burgess answers three questions after the All Whites' encouraging performance against Korea Republic.

What does this result - and performance mean?

The manner of the performance is extremely encouraging and gives coach Anthony Hudson a platform to work from in the next six months. The playing group is starting to buy into his methods and there will be more acceptance from fans back home in New Zealand. It's also the kind of result that won't go unnoticed and can help to arrange other fixtures in Asia.

Of all the new and young players introduced to the squad by Hudson, who were the stand outs last night?

Eighteen-year-old Clayton Lewis, who was the youngest All White since Chris Wood in 2009, had a debut to remember on the left flank and has a bright future. Marinovic was also solid in goal and Louis Fenton worked hard when he came on. Themistoklis Tzimpoulos only met the rest of his back four (and goalkeeper) last Tuesday but showed the experience of more than 100 matches in the Greek Super League.

Where do the All Whites need to improve?

Passing was still poor at times, not helped by a lack of movement off the ball on occasions. The team struggled to defend set pieces all night and would have been severely punished by a more ruthless team. The All Whites were also physically dominated by the Koreans at time, shrugged off the ball through sheer muscle. And general game sense and smarts can be worked on; knowing when to press and when to hold and getting through the momentum swings in a match.

*Michael Burgess travelled to Seoul with assistance from ASB, the principal partner of New Zealand Football.