\u201cI was boarding the plane, and I got a notification on WhatsApp,\u201d Cacace tells the Herald. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt just said the initials \u2013 and I was like \u2018Who\u2019s this? And then I clicked on it and it was a video message from Ryan … welcoming me to the club, saying \u2018I can\u2019t wait to meet you in person and telling me about his adventures to New Zealand as well\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ryan, of course, is Ryan Reynolds, the Hollywood actor who is also a co-owner of Wrexham FC, the club which has captured the imagination with their high profile shareholders and rise through the divisions of English football, detailed in the series Welcome to Wrexham. <\/p>\n
Cacace has enjoyed the interactions with Reynolds \u2013 whose film catalogue includes the Deadpool franchise. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s very down to earth, talkative and has been so supportive, as a new player,\u201d Cacace says.<\/p>\n
It was a big move for Cacace \u2013 after three seasons in Serie A with Empoli \u2013 and the next step, in his dream to reach the highest level possible. <\/p>\n
It was also a big signing for Wrexham, who had just been promoted to the Championship, one step below the Premier League. <\/p>\n
Unfortunately, his first season turned into a nightmare, with a run of injuries that tested him physically and mentally. <\/p>\n
From never having a muscle problem in his career, there seemed to be constant issues. <\/p>\n
He made his debut in the opening game of the season, then missed eight of the next nine matches. <\/p>\n
He returned for five matches (two starts), then endured another stretch from early November to early January where he didn\u2019t take the field. <\/p>\n
In all he only made eight league starts, across a campaign that felt like he was constantly in a rehabilitation phase. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt did take me a long time to come to grips with what was happening with me,\u201d Cacace tells the Herald from the team\u2019s San Diego base. <\/p>\n
\u201cI would come back; I was getting through a week and then get injured again. It was something I\u2019ve never experienced before, missing so many sessions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even when he did come back, he didn\u2019t feel right. <\/p>\n
\u201cWith injury after injury, it takes a while to get the confidence and trust in your body again \u2026 you tend to hold back even though you think you\u2019re not holding back.\u201d<\/p>\n
At a time when there was already a big adjustment \u2013 new country, new team, new league \u2013 things just seemed to compound. <\/p>\n
The enforced break gave Cacace a time to reflect on what he has achieved in the six years since he left the Phoenix, with almost 50 matches in Belgium\u2019s top tier, then 91 Serie A matches for Empoli. <\/p>\n
Liberato Cacace in action for Empoli against Juventus. Photo \/ Getty<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very proud of that,\u201d Cacace said. <\/p>\n
But the injuries were tough to take and he arrived in the All Whites camp in late May having not played since February. <\/p>\n
Cacace was solid \u2013 but not at his best against Haiti and England \u2013 though there were signs in the 2-2 draw against Iran. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m in a much better place,\u201d Cacace says. <\/p>\n
\u201cI feel a lot stronger than what I was coming into the tour and I\u2019ve worked hard to make sure that I\u2019m in good shape. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe can be honest and say I\u2019m probably not at 100% but I\u2019m definitely in a good spot and I\u2019m getting stronger, more confident and back to my best.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a new situation for Cacace, usually a player others turn to for inspiration. It happened at the Tokyo Olympics and has happened on plenty of other occasions since. <\/p>\n
Can it happen in North America? <\/p>\n
You wouldn\u2019t bet against it, even if Cacace is still trying to rediscover the recipe. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs a leader, people look up to you,\u201d Cacace says. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo it\u2019s not a matter of having to prove yourself but more making sure that you put yourself out there, work as hard as you can and people will follow you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite his recent struggles, you sense a vintage Cacace moment \u2013 a surging run, timely cross or bullet shot \u2013 is not far away, as he has never been one to shrink from the spotlight. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere are little things you can do \u2026 showing for the ball, getting on the ball when times are tough,\u201d Cacace says. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere are going to be a lot of pressure moments in the next two games, so it\u2019s little moments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cacace is being pushed hard \u2013 especially by Ben Old \u2013 but is likely to keep his starting spot for the Egypt game, given his experience and physical presence. <\/p>\n
The clash with the African team will bring back vivid memories. <\/p>\n
The All Whites have played Egypt only once before \u2013 a 1-0 loss in Cairo in March 2024 \u2013 when Cacace wore the armband for the first time. <\/p>\n
\u201cI guess there are memorable games, like when you score your first goal or make your debut, but probably that game against Egypt stands out,\u201d said Cacace. <\/p>\n
\u201cTo captain my country was memorable for me and my family. I didn\u2019t think it would ever happen \u2013 because I wouldn\u2019t say I\u2019m a natural leader \u2013 and to happen that quickly was very special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael Burgess<\/a> has been a sports journalist for the NZ Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America\u2019s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n