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With Holger Osieck set to announce his Socceroos squad for next week’s friendly in South Korea at 11am today, the hope is, with no World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, he will take the opportunity to give considerable game time to a few fresh faces.
While the fact next Wednesday is only a FIFA friendly date, meaning clubs only have to release players 48 hours before the match, the fixture lists across the globe appear to stack up well for Osieck.
With many due to play either later this week or early on the weekend, Osieck should at least be able to assemble his squad in Hwaseong by Monday, giving him a couple of sessions to prepare for Wednesday night’s clash.
This short preparation might end up limiting Osieck’s experimentation, but we live in hope.
Among those with favourable fixtures are the likes of Alex Brosque and Richard Porta in the UAE, who play over the next couple of days, and Nikita Rukavytsya, who is in action on Friday in Germany.
Meanwhile, across other parts of Europe, the likes of Ryan McGowan at Hearts, Robbie Kruse in Germany and the in-form Utrecht pair Tommy Oar and Adam Sarota all play on Saturday.
In the A-League things are a little more complex, with Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Aaron Mooy in action on Saturday, making him a likely addition, possibly along with Erik Paartalu, in action on Friday.
More problematic is the fact that Tom Rogic plays for the Mariners in Wellington on Sunday, while Eugene Galekovic, the most likely A-League custodian, is in action late on Sunday.
With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see both Galekovic and Rogic left out this time.
Sunday’s fixtures may also have an impact on Dario Vidosic’s claims, although, given his recent injury problems, I’d like to see him continue his great form and remain injury-free throughout November before possible consideration for the East Asian Championship qualifiers next month.
Others who might need a little more time include Newcastle’s impressive left-sided Craig Goodwin, who I mentioned as a Socceroos bolter during the off-season.
Another I’d love to see in the squad but that might need a little more time is Eli Babalj. He is still trying to crack the Red Star starting 11 after coming off the bench a few times.
Assuming both Galekovic and Rogic are available, and selected, here’s a starting 11 I’d love to see Osieck use, and a seven-man bench to provide intrigue and impact.
Eugene Galekovic: while Mat Ryan continues to grow, Galekovic has been the most consistent A-League custodian for the past five or so seasons, continuing to produce outstanding work in both the domestic competition and the Asian Champions League.
Ryan McGowan: has come a long way at Hearts, impressing even in the Europa League. Appears to be carrying the ball forward with confidence and doing a sound job defensively.
Luke DeVere: fresh blood is definitely needed in the centre of defence and DeVere offers pace, size and composure, and having been in the K-League, would be a great option here.
Matt Spiranovic: a regular for Osieck in recent squads, he is, like Robbie Kruse, one that should be getting as much game time in matches like this as possible, to build his experience.
Matt McKay: right now, with problems persisting at left back, McKay remains the safest option. Joshua Rose would be a worthy squad addition, but, like Rogic, playing this Sunday doesn’t help, and he may have to wait for a chance.
Robbie Kruse: one of our most impressive in the recent World Cup qualifier win over Iraq in Doha, Kruse often dropped infield to help create, and it would be great to see how he combines with the likes of McGowan, Mooy and Sarota.
Aaron Mooy: composed, with terrific balance, the thing that stands out about Mooy is an ability to find space, even under the most intense pressure.
Able to use both feet, he appears to been thinking one or two steps ahead of the play and is the type of creative holding midfielder we’ve haven’t seen since Jason Culina last donned the green and gold. More than handy over the set piece, as well.
Adam Sarota: has been in and around the squad for a couple of years, so perhaps now, confidence high due to his form at Utrecht, is the perfect opportunity to give him the responsibility of a start. His club combination with Tommy Oar also helps.
Tommy Oar: has been playing in a more central, creative role in Holland, and there is nothing stopping him dropping in here to be a creative influence, even if he does start on the left.
Reports suggest he’s been on fire in the Eredivise, and he provided a great assist off the bench in Doha, so looking forward to seeing more here.
Alex Brosque: a little quiet the past few outings, but has been scoring in the UAE and like Kruse and Spiranovic, is building his experience as a first 11 regular. It’s a spot they can’t take for granted, so this is another opportunity to remain prominent in Osieck’s thoughts.
Nikita Rukavytsya: getting regular game time at Mainz, in the Bundesliga no less, it’s time for Rukavytsya to contribute regularly for country.
Substitutes: Mitch Langerak, Chris Herd, James Holland, Erik Paartalu, Tom Rogic, James Troisi, Richard Porta.
Scoring goals consistently for Dubai, now’s as good a time as any to have a look Porta, while it would also be exciting to see Rogic in the final 20 or so minutes. Holland, meanwhile, seems to be maturing, delivering on the promise of the last few years.
Tony’s Socceroos starting XI for South Korea (4-4-2):
———————–Galekovic———————
McGowan——DeVere—Spiranovic—-McKay
——Kruse—-Mooy—Sarota—–Oar———
———-Brosque——-Rukavytsya————
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