Holger Osieck’s Socceroos have recently been questioned for their recent form and labelled ‘Dad’s Army’, but one standout in recent performances has been the rejuvenated Mark Bresciano – partly down to his form in the Middle East.
After taking a national team break, Bresciano has been the spark which the Socceroos have recently lacked, with an exceptional range of passing and the creativity to either create chances or to finish them off himself.
It was evident during the recent friendlies against Scotland and Lebanon that the Melbournian was on form, scoring a stunning volley against the Scots, before creating two of the Green and Gold’s goals against the Lebanese.
Bresciano has found a new life to his Socceroos career in the Middle East, first with UAE club Al Nasr, before signing with Qatari side Al-Gharafa last month.
At Al Nasr is where the former Palermo playmaker regained his form with ten goals from 17 games, which prompted Osieck to call back the 32-year-old.
Many believe players move to the Middle East to finish their careers, or to gain a quick buck, but Bresciano’s success has led others to seeing the Gulf states as a viable option with an influx of Australians jumping ship to the Middle East.
Socceroos Skipper Lucas Neill is currently at his second Emirati club, after joining Al Wasl recently from Al Jazira, the former happened to be coached by Diego Maradona last season.
Follow Socceroo defenders Sasa Ognenovski and Matt Spiranovic have just joined Qatari sides Umm-Salal and Al-Arabi respectively, continuing Asian clubs fond of strong Australian defenders.
UAE Pro League side Baniyas was recently interested in Brisbane Roar’s Erik Paartalu, but the Roar and Paartalu were reluctant depart, hence why they signed Nick Carle on loan from Sydney instead.
One may ask why all of a sudden are the Gulf clubs interesting in Australians?
Since Australia was accepted into the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Australian players are categorized as Asian players, so most AFC leagues can register Australians without taking up a foreign spot in their squad.
But why would one move to such a cultural diverse country?
Not only is the financial aspect appealing, the quality of the leagues in the Gulf are improving year by year.
Australians would also be closer to World Cup Qualifiers; they are prepared for the conditions which World Cup Qualifiers in Asian present and they waste less time travelling from Europe back to Asia.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Nestory Irankunda has sensationally rejected the chance to play at the Paris Olympics this June after a late bid from the Olyroos to include…
Mathew Ryan's tenure at AZ Alkmaar appears to be over, as the Eredivisie side are seemingly moving on from the 93-time Socceroo. The decision…
One down 49 to go. Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi raised some eyebrows this week when he declared himself to be the talisman striker the…
