New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley praised Motherwell playmaker Eli Just for announcing himself to the wider world with a double in the All Whites’ 2-2 draw against Iran at the World Cup.
The 26-year-old joined Well from Danish club Horsens last summer and was one of the four nominees for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year award after a stunning first season at Fir Park.
Just – linked with Rangers and Celtic – is under contract with the Steelmen for another year and Bazeley reckons his two-goal display in Los Angeles on Monday night will help him progress his career.
“I thought Eli was outstanding,” the Englishman said. “It didn’t surprise me; I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s played really well for the All Whites and scored goals and had great performances.
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“He’s playing in Scotland for Motherwell, and he’s had an outstanding year where he’s scored goals, got player of the season (for Motherwell), he almost got player of the year for the league, and he made the team of the year, so he’s had an outstanding season in Scotland, and he brought that with him.
“He brought that (against Iran) and showed the world how dangerous he can be. He is slight-built, but he gets into pockets, gets turned, and he’s quick.
“He’s great with the ball, very intelligent, links with Woodsy (Chris Wood) really well, like for the goal.
“I think a lot of people are probably watching that and saying he’s a very good player. He’s building his career, and this is probably going to help him a lot.”
