It is well known that Australia’s success (or lack thereof) on the international football stage has been a dent in an otherwise-fruitful resume. Still considered young in a nation dominated by other footy codes, it is undisputed that Australia has surely fulfilled their short-term goals and potential.
With a highest ranking of 12, wins against giants Holland and victory over a Serbian team – containing Nemanja Vidic – at the World Cup have surely turned heads towards the continent.
With talents such as Brett Holman, Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer in the frame, it is a distinct possibility that Australia can achieve new personal highs.
But an axiom circulating in the football community has suggested that we need rejuvenation in an otherwise homogenous, monotonous and simply dull team at times.
It worked with Holman and Matt McKay, and there is nothing there to say it cannot be repeated with some of these players…
1. Mitch Nichols (Brisbane Roar)
Still considered a young gun among the league, Nichols is perceived well and is truly as a leader and senior player in the Brisbane ranks.
Signed during Frank Farina’s reign, Nichols was originally dubbed as “one for the future”.
He has impressed many with his technical panache and incisive passing, but one attribute that makes him so endearing is his work ethic and willingness to learn.
If one monitors the progress made since his entry to the league, he has matured into one of the league’s best central midfielders and has developed a reputation for scoring plenty of goals and racking up a plethora of assists.
He has so far earned one cap for his endeavours, but one must think he has many more ahead of him.
Being part of the Olyroos’ (under 23) failed-Olympic bid, he will surely move to Europe in the foreseeable future and will look to establish himself as a regular in the future for the Socceroos. He is one to watch.
2. Bernie Ibini-Isei (Central Coast Mariners)
Having just experienced his breakthrough A-League season, Ibini’s contract was extended on the first of February for an extra two years, a smart move by the Mariner’s hierarchy.
He is now being recognised as a quick, strong and explosive forward, carrying both a potent strike and a gliding finish.
The Nigerian immigrant uses his height to his advantage and, along with Oliver Bozanic, terrorised A-League defences this term.
Backing up his strong season in the Youth League, where he achieved top-scorer status, he continued his form to bag another seven goals and two assists.
At the tender age of 19 he has a prolific future ahead of him, so long as he manages to keep his injury sheet clean.
Expect another high-yielding season in 2012-13 as the Mariners try to win their first A-League title.
3. Matthew Ryan (Central Coast Mariners)
Highly regarded among the A-League after receiving consecutive gongs for Young Player of the Year – and his maiden Goalkeeper of the Year award – Ryan’s meteoric rise has certainly turned heads.
Relatively unknown before his breakout season of 2010/11, Ryan entered the scene after replacing Danny Vukovic and has not turned back since.
Unable to break into the national team due to Mark Schwarzer’s invincible status and continued consistent performances, Ryan remains on the sidelines at least until Schwarzer retires.
Despite this looming possibility, he would presumably be considered behind Adam Federici in the keepers pecking order. But once he matures and moves on from the Coast, he will be in serious contention.
4. Eli Babalj (Melbourne Heart)
Despite being part of Melbourne Heart’s inaugural season in 2010-11, Eli Babalj (like Bernie Ibini) experienced his breakthrough season in the current term.
He was the man most responsible for the Heart’s barnstorming mid-season run, and this season alone he has hit the back of the net nine times out of 21, a goals-per-game ratio of 0.43, among the best in the league.
Even though he has represented Australia at under-20 level, he is still eligible to play for either Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Australia.
He is no doubt being watched by Osieck in a bid to get him tied down to Australia. A Serb by ethnicity, he was raised in Australia, a vital point in the bid to influence him to represent us.
5. Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne Heart)
The second Heart player on this list, Dugandzic established himself as a fundamental part of the Heart set-up and as one of the most valuable players of the A-League.
At only 22, he has developed a reputation that consists of a player that whips in dangerous and inviting crosses, has a curling shot and a skilful free-kick.
He completed a switch from cross-town rivals the Victory in 2011 and has already scored as many goals for the Heart as he did for his former team, in 14 less matches.
He has played for the Olyroos thrice, meaning that he will most likely represent Australia, despite his Croatian roots.
He already turned down a move from the Victory to Belgian side KAS Eupen, instead opting to sign for rivals the Heart.
Dugandzic is definitely one to watch in the future and a move will most likely be on the cards at the end of next season, probably to Europe.
If this is fulfilled, his national team hopes will surely be realised.
Evan Askew
Guest
He was touted as one for the future and a star player at the Brisbane Strikers in the last couple of seasons of the NSL. But I think he was one of that generation of players who was affected negatively by the transformation from the NSL to the A league which resulted in a lost season of top flight national league football. Matt Mckay played a season of Brisbane premier league with Easts but that is not as good as playing NSL or A league. And perhaps having missed a year of top flight football it took him a while to get his groove back.
Roarchild
Guest
I agree with Fuss in that only Ryan looks a banker. The rest could go either way. I could imagine Nichols never really panning out but it isn't hard to imagine him developing dome consistency and really kicking on. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
MartinAndersen
Roar Rookie
Thanks for all of your tips guys! Much appreciated for my first article :)
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Maybe it's that last sentence from Berisha that says it all. "This is everything for me because it helps me and my family to try and have a better life than before.” In the land of plenty where we don't want for much, it's probably hard for younger folk to feel the need to strive that extra bit. Same as in tennis with many from the former Eastern block countries doing very well now. For me, Babalj has that sense and innate feeling that can't be taught. Still plenty of time to develop into a classy international.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Matt Ryan is definitely the top of the list there as far as future NT materia goesl, but I took a liking to Mate Duandzic during the year, in particular, his ability to quickly assess options, make the right decision and do the team thing when it came to setting up goals - really impressive stuff - an intelligent footballer - this is the sort of thing coaches look for in assessing an ability to reach an elite level, technique is just the starting point, you have to show much more than technique to make your mark. Let's not forget that Matty McKay took years to reach a level where he could influence games through vision and perfect decision-making - I'm not sure how that came about, whether a coach like Ange was able to bring it out, I don't know, but he took a massive quantum leap in his tactical awareness, creativity and decision-making in the space of around 18 months, and he was already 26 years of age or so by then. Was Matty showing that sort of capability around the age of 22? No, not that I can recall.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Soon after posting my comments about the young Aussies "lacking drive & commitment to succeed at the top", I read this terrific article by Ray Gatt in The Australian. Gatt talks to Brisbane's Albanian goal-machine (that should appease those, who think I hate Brisbane Roar :-) ) and these comments by Berisha demonstrate the mentality that needs to change in some of our young Aussie footballers if they want to reach their full potential. Source: http://m.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/dont-judge-berisha-until-you-know-his-story/story-fn63e0vj-1226334773428 Berisha, 26, can't understand why people don't share his passion for the game. "You must understand me," Berisha almost pleaded with The Weekend Australian. "This is not just a game for me. I take it seriously. "I did not learn nothing else. I did not finish school. "This (football) is my life. I don't have anything else. I always wanted to be a professional (footballer). I am very passionate about what I do. I don't go into game saying 'this is just a game'. "This is everything for me because it helps me and my family to try and have a better life than before."
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
If we are we are only discussing the best young players from the HAL then, I'm afraid, I only agree with Matty Ryan in the above list as being potentially a future NT member. The other guys are all technically-gifted but, to me, they seem to lack the drive & commitment to succeed at the top. But, they're young and there's still time to turn it around. Look at how it finally clicked in Robbie K's head that he was wasting his talent and, if he wanted to succeed as a pro-footballer, football must consume 95% of his time & energy. Dugandzic & Nichols were members of a spectacularly unsuccessful & impotent AUS u23 team. These youngsters caught my eye this year and, before I bestow "superstar" upon them, I need to see if they take the next step & dominate the HAL next season: Tomas Rogic, Ben Halloran, Joel Chianese, Julius Doe Davies, Jason Pepper, Golgol Mebrahtu, Chris Harold, James Brown, Jake Barker-Daish, Mitch Cooper, Zac Anderson, Tony Antonis, Dimi Petratos, Nick Fitzgerald, Luke Brattan, Curtis Good One youngster who needs to be close to NT selection as soon as he's eligible to play for AUS is Adama Traore - he's only 22, but has played 69 HAL matches and I would rate him the best Left Back in Australia.
nearpost
Guest
Interesting Mustafa Amini no longer on the best five list - wonder if he can move forward with Dortmund or should they take Tom Rogic! I'd like to add in Nick Fitzgerald from the Roar - an interesting player, also Aziz Behich has a lot to give. Dashing wingers of junior football take note - you are all full backs come the Professional Game:) and I'm still enjoying Iain Ramsay's contributions. And you missed possibly the best of the lot - the young gun Sydney forward Joel Chianese, just half a season but a heap of goals. How far can he go with improved confidence? The Gold Coast had a number of good young players as well. A lot of talent pushing on the door and no doubt more to come next year and the year after that. Have we found our next Viduka or Kewell? Not yet it seems but surely we can't be too far away from unearthing a real early developer - Premier League level at 18 or 19?
Roarest?
Guest
There are a lot of promising young players coming through the youth league. The whole league is pretty solid and I think that we will see many more promising players. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
nordster
Guest
given how backward and muddled our development pathways have been over the decades, its great we still do churn out some promising players. Even if the junior national teams are pretty average, some of these guys do step up well at full league level amongst more senior pros.