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The Australian Socceroos during a training session at Ballymore. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Following on from the terrific result the Socceroos got yesterday morning against the Irish on their home ground, discussion amongst some Roar participants naturally turned to next year’s 23 man squad.
I know this subject has come up and recent months. All I can say is, expect it to keep coming up until the team is officially selected!
One reason for the current interest is the realisation that our depth is perhaps as good as it has ever been – and I mean in the history of the Socceroos.
That’s the good news.
But it also means that something like 10 to 12 players are going to be unlucky in missing the cut.
So as a discussion point, I decided to think of three current or potential Socceroos for every position, except for four strikers and four goalkeepers (4-2-3-1 formation), giving a list of 35 (the squad of 23 plus twelve emergencies).
I’ve shown the current age against each player for information. For the sake of convenience and clear presentation, where players are capable of more than one role, I’ve slotted them in where I think they fit best.
The only question I have for you is this: who would those twelve emergencies be?
Goalkeeper
Mark Schwarzer, 36
Adam Federici, 24
Brad Jones, 27
Michael Petkovic, 33
Right back
Brett Emerton, 30
Luke Wilkshire, 27
Rhys Williams, 21
Left back
Scott Chipperfield, 33
Dave Carney, 25
Shane Stefanutto, 29
Centre back
Lucas Neill, 31
Craig Moore, 33
Patrick Kisnorbo, 28
Matthew Spiranovic, 21
Adrian Madaschi, 27
Jade North, 26
Defensive mid
Vinnie Grella, 29
Jason Culina, 29
Mile Jedinak, 25
Jacob Burns, 31
Carl Valeri, 25
Billy Celeski, 24
Right mid
Mark Bresciano, 29
Richard Garcia, 27
Dario Vidosic, 22
Left mid
Harry Kewell, 30
Michael Zullo, 20
Aaron Mooy, 18
Central attacking mid
Timmy Cahill, 29
Brett Holman, 25
Nick Carle, 27
Striker
Josh Kennedy, 26
Scott McDonald, 25
Nikita Rukavytsya, 22
Bruce Djite, 22
This sort of presentation gives a good indication of the overall balance of the team and requires some tough decisions.
Some names are obviously making up the numbers at this point, and would be the first to drop off (Celeski and Zullo), unless they did something incredible in the A-League this season.
Others were very hard to fit in, such as Sterjovski and Coyne.
While others again are a chance to replace one of the three in a particular position. And I think Scott Jamieson would be in that category given the uncertainty surrounding that left back spot.
Anyway, no whining or complaining, this is merely to kick start discussion. So off to it!
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