A new-look Josh Kennedy has no doubt why he is enjoying the most purple patch of his Socceroos career.
“I used to wait for things to happen. Now I try to make them happen,” said the towering striker after his eighth goal in five matches helped sink Oman 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Sydney.
“I think I have improved tremendously.”
Kennedy spent as much time grafting and scrapping for the ball as he did in his traditional role of positioning himself for high balls in the box.
“I like to get involved,” said Kennedy.
“If I stand up front and don’t get a touch, I don’t get into the game.”
His goal, the second of the night, was blasted home from point-blank range after Luke Wilkshire’s shot was parried by the goalkeeper.
“I wasn’t going to miss that one so I thought I would just hit it as hard as I can,” said Kennedy.
“Wilko thinks he’s got an assist as well from missing it.”
Kennedy is making the most of coach Holger Osieck’s more attacking style of play, with two strikers instead of one lone spearhead toiling alone.
It mirrors the set-up at his Japanese club Nagoya Grampus.
“The way we play in Japan, knocking the ball around, and the way Holger wants to play, with support up front and playing football and keeping possession, it all adds up,” Kennedy explained.
“It makes a huge difference all around the park, not just up front.
“Even if I drop off somebody will go fill my position up front.
“Everyone works hard as a team, no-one lags behind.
“We are creating chances and I always find myself in a good position to put it away.
“Sometimes you can have a hundred shots and you don’t get any in.
“Confidence plays a big part.
“Aside from scoring goals, I’m doing my bob and creating things.”
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