The 23 man Asian Cup squad was announced on Tuesday with many of the usual suspects included, 12 of whom competed at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Four inclusions are from the local A-League competition.
They are Jason Culina (30 years, Gold Coast United), Robbie Kruse (22, Melbourne Victory), Matt McKay (27, Brisbane Roar) and Jade North (28, Wellington Phoenix).
These additions to the Socceroos squad are a testament to a technically improving A-League competition.
If it weren’t for injury to the reining A-League goalkeeper of the year, Eugene Galeković (Adelaide United, 29), we can only assume he would have taken the 3rd goalkeepers jersey, hence bringing the tally to five A-League players in the Asian Cup Squad.
Not only is it a positive indication to see an influx of players selected from our domestic competition, many football pundits believe they aren’t just there to make up the numbers.
Jason Culina has been an important component of the national team for half a decade. Earning over 50 caps for the Socceroos, he has consistently been at the forefront of the team’s selection process. Following a decorated European career which saw him ply his trade for high calibre clubs – Ajax, FC Twente and PSV – Culina’s gamble to return to the A-League at the pinnacle of his career was met with much criticism from differing media outlets and former Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek.
However, Culina defied the odds. Since his domestic return in the 2009/10 season he has constantly performed to exceptional levels and subsequently been rewarded with inclusion in the Socceroos outfit on a consistent basis. Culina can be seen as a very versatile player, the option of playing as a holding midfielder, on the wing or as a more attacking option in the midfield provides the squad with an array of diversity and flexibility which is currently lacking within the squad.
The inclusion of young Victory sensation Robbie Kruse to the Socceroos squad has been welcomed by many throughout the media. He’s had a remarkable career turnaround in the past sixteen months. Struggling to gain an A-League contract – he was on an injury replacement deal with Brisbane Roar at the beginning of the 2009/10 season – the then embattled winger had his fair share of controversy off the pitch, nonetheless he has found a new lease of life in Melbourne.
With the confidence, backing and guidance of Victory coach Ernie Merrick and his team-mates, his transformation from winger to striker has worked wonders.
“I’ve really improved my attitude and stuff off the field and the players at Melbourne Victory have to get a lot of credit for that. Guys like Kevin Muscat and Archie Thompson, the experienced players there have really helped me turn my life around. Hopefully I can grab my opportunity and do my part and do good in the training camp,” Kruse said.
The exciting forward has scored 10 goals from 15 appearances thus far this season; amid his scoring form he has provided opponents with many headaches. His remarkable solo effort to wield his way around the Newcastle defensive line and set up the winning goal for Ricardinho on Monday evening was further evidence as to why he can be an important ingredient in the Asian Cup squad.
Socceroos coach, Holger Osieck has stated that many fringe players will get their chance to showcase their credentials in the friendly against UAE on January 5. Hopefully Kruse can take his chance and impress on the international stage.
Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay has also been a welcomed inclusion in the Asian Cup squad. The excellent leadership skills, dependable performances incorporated with the technically high calibre of football being possessed at the top of the table club has all been a telling factor in the rise of McKay this season.
A fringe Socceroo who has earned six caps, McKay has typically been selected in the A-League Socceroo squads when the overseas based players were not available for selection. McKay considers his inclusion in the final 23 as an enormous accomplishment.
“You’re playing 90 minutes each week, the better players are guaranteed 90 minutes, and some players in Europe aren’t doing that. If we keep working hard in the A-League, the chances will come for some players. You see the players that are selected now are the players that are playing regularly. That proves to boys that they have to be playing and they can’t just sit on the bench each week and expect to be making the national team,” McKay said.
With high profile stars like Mark Bresciano (Lazio) not making the final cut, nothing can be taken for granted.
Jade North is the final inclusion of the A-League based Socceroos in the Asian Cup squad. Currently playing for the New Zealand based outfit Wellington, his ventures overseas for Incheon United (Korea) and Tromsø Idrettslag (Norway) didn’t prove to be quite so successful. He struggled to cement a spot in the starting XI and unfortunately lacked the appropriate amount of game-time to lure the attention of nation team selection for the 2010 World Cup.
However, his recent good form and consistent game-time for the Wellington Phoenix has once again brought the attention of the national team. With age on his side at 28, he is still able play a formidable part in the next World Cup campaign.
With an ageing Lucas Neil, and Ersan Gulum preferring to represent Turkey, it is evident that there is a lack of depth in the defensive half. North isn’t the classiest or most attention grabbing player, however he has consistently completed the job when called upon. Staying fit, playing regular football and performing at a high level are essential elements for his continued inclusion in the nation team.
With the Asian Cup in Qatar just around the corner, the hype, anticipation and excitement is starting to rise. Following the Socceroos’ disappointing quarter-final elimination to arch-rival Japan in 2007, the team will be eager to amends the frustrations and heart-break suffered in their inaugural Asian Cup odyssey.
Can the A-League based players bar Culina have an influence on proceedings in Qatar?
If given the opportunity then there’s reason to get excited, it will further enhance the credibility and status of the A-League and hopefully help the Socceroos lift its first major piece of silverware.
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