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Rising Australian star Aaron Mooy was named player of the tournament as the Young Socceroos finished third in the prestigious Terborg Toernooi in Holland.
The Australian under-20s claimed third place in the tournament, boasting 10 youth teams from some of the biggest clubs in the world, with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over English giants Liverpool.
Coach Jan Versleijen said Mooy’s award was a tremendous honour for the 18-year-old Sydneysider, who is currently with English Premier League club Bolton.
“To have Aaron Mooy named as player of the tournament is a great achievement for Aaron in a very famous and high-standard tournament,” the Young Socceroos mentor said.
Despite being defeated by Spanish team Valencia in their opening match, the Australians rebounded with wins over Dutch teams Feyenoord and De Graafschap and a draw against Brazilians Atletico Miniero.
Mooy scored a goal in each of the 2-0 victories over Feyenoord and De Graafschap, with Brisbane Roar youngster Mitch Nichols and James Holland the other scorers.
Those results got them into the semi-finals where they were defeated by eventual winners, Dutch giants Ajax, 2-0.
After finishing 0-0 at the end of regulation time in their third-place play-off against Liverpool, Australia claimed the victory with Brent McGrath, Rob Stambolziev, Matthew Jurman and Nathan Elasi all hitting the target with their penalties.
The tournament is part of the Young Socceroos’ preparations for September’s under-20 World Cup in Egypt.
Their next match will be a friendly against Egypt’s under-20s, also in Holland, on Tuesday.
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