There were no surprises as Ange Postecoglou named his team for next month’s World Cup qualifier in Kyrgyzstan, but the Socceroos boss continued to make a statement of his intentions.
With no uncapped players in the fold and 19 Asian Cup winners selected, this squad speaks for the stability that Postecoglou is finally being afforded.
Injuries prevented Aaron Mooy and Luke DeVere from retaining their spots after the Germany and Macedonia friendlies, while Adam Federici has been replaced by the returning Eugene Galekovic.
Though rumblings over Tim Cahill’s international future are slowly beginning, there is no doubt his place here is warranted. Postecoglou has long said he attempts to pick a team most capable of winning, with one eye on the future. While Cahill may not be a regular starter by Russia 2018, he has proven still to be the Socceroos’ most dangerous attacking weapon.
For Postecoglou, a new era is beginning. He’s checked off all the boxes thus far, but it’s a sign of his character that he’s not willing to ride the coat tails of the Asian Cup victory any longer.
The time for celebration is over, as is the time for experimentation, he says. It’s an idea that could have some fringe players signing off on their Socceroos career, but that’s far from the case.
“It’s important for everyone to understand they are being selected for this game but there are no guarantees going forward. Guys outside know the door is open for them to be selected,” Postecoglou said.
Instead, it should be seen as a positive that Postecoglou finally feels he has a squad to take things forward.
Fifty players have been used during his reign to get to this point and the 49-year-old has been true to his word in rewarding form – Tarek Elrich is back in after a brilliant season at Adelaide, Chris Ikonomidis has another chance to impress, and Bailey Wright is once again in the frame just days after taking Preston North End into the English Championship.
There are still a number of players that promise to step into calculations between now and Russia. If Mooy remains consistent, he’s a shoo-in for the World Cup squad, Tomislav Mrcela has again been brought into discussions as he pines for a debut, and there are still a number of players on the injury list that will be looking to prise their way in. Postecoglou will keenly watch these players and more over the next couple of years.
While it’s brilliant that the Socceroos finally have a solid foundation laid, complacency will most certainly be punished. It’s a trait that has moulded Ange into a commanding boss. He demands players be hungry, aided by the comfort of knowing there is growing depth to call upon.
In the past, there has been volatility in team selections when not required and consistency that has crippled. Postecoglou has found the right balance and while this probably won’t be the 23-man squad to challenge in 2018, he has enough faith in them all to get the Socceroos there.
It’s a side with the potential to provide results, while also building the framework for an improved style of play that will be required to capitalise on last year’s World Cup exploits.
Undoubtedly, results will be a focal point. There’s no point playing attractive football only to watch the cup from the couch. But we can take solace in knowing that there is no longer a mountain of work left to do for the current crop.
The forthcoming qualifiers will be an opportunity to slightly tinker with the back line, as Wright joins Matt Spiranovic, Alex Wilkinson and Trent Sainsbury in contention for the centre back slots. Meanwhile, the likes of Aziz Behich, Jason Davidson, Ivan Franjic and Elrich offer plenty of options to flank the two halves.
Although Postecoglou has no plans to renovate the squad in the lead up to Russia, he will still be focused on moulding them into one able to kick on from January’s triumph.
It’s a nice thought to know that after a turbulent period, the Socceroos finally have a rigid structure to work with.
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