Football: Riera may be a life saver for All Whites

Spaniard Albert Riera could become eligible for New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

He was driving ambulances in Spain four years ago and now Wellington Phoenix midfielder Albert Riera wants to play for the All Whites.

In less than 12 months, Riera has become a linchpin at the Phoenix. He was a standout performer in the last campaign and their late-season slide coincided with his absence through injury.

Riera has demonstrated an ability to adapt to each new challenge - he was man of the match against West Ham and one of the best on the field when the A-League All Stars faced Juventus last month - and would be an asset in the international arena.

"It feels great people are thinking about me playing for the All Whites one day," said Riera. "Coming here as a traveller and now contemplating something like that, it's unbelievable. It's something I would like to do. I would do it without hesitation and it would be a great honour but a lot of things have to happen first so I am not thinking about it too much."

The All Whites have used Chris James, Bill Tuiloma and Tim Payne in the defensive midfield position in recent times. Tuiloma and Payne may develop further but Riera compares favourably with all of the incumbents.

"He's very good in his position and has a great football intelligence," New Zealand Football high performance manager Fred De Jong said. "His football IQ is high and that's something [All Whites coach] Anthony Hudson will be testing with the system he wants to play. We would definitely be interested in Albert but there are some hurdles to cross first."

Riera came to New Zealand in late 2010 and joined Auckland City in January 2011.

To be eligible for the All Whites, Riera will need New Zealand citizenship (and a passport) and also satisfy Fifa's criteria, which states individuals must have lived in the naturalised country for a continuous five-year period.

Riera spent an extended period back in Spain after his first Auckland City spell but has resided here virtually uninterrupted since then.

The 30-year-old is a durable athlete who should have longevity as a footballer, especially as he has only just completed his first season as a professional.

Riera will be 33 by November 2017, when the final World Cup playoffs will be staged, but Simon Elliott showed age is irrelevant - especially in that vital position anchoring the midfield - if you have the ability.

Meanwhile, Riera is buzzing ahead of the new A-League season. The All Stars episode was "incredible", highlighted by meeting Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

"At first I was wondering 'should I be here'?" Riera said. "But all the players were very welcoming and the game was a brilliant experience. I was meant to play only 30 minutes but played the whole match. I talked with Pirlo afterwards, he's a humble guy. I've since bought his book [although] he's a better footballer than writer."

Riera says his troublesome groin is almost 100 per cent and is reaping the benefits of his first pre-season as a professional.

"I feel like I am a 30-year-old teenager, like I am starting my career," Riera said.

"He's a big asset for us," Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said. "He's so competitive and hates to get beaten one-on-one. He provides a great screen in front of our defence - the anticipation and timing of his tackles is amazing - and is so composed in possession."

The Phoenix pre-season preparations continue over the next week, with games against Sydney United (Tuesday) and Sydney FC (Friday) following yesterday's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in Sydney.

"My New Year's resolution was to make the playoffs," said Riera. "We need to do it this year. We have a great squad so can't have any excuses."