Amid fierce competition for the Socceroos’ left-back position, Jason Davidson is intent on nailing down a starting spot at his Dutch club ahead of this month’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Oman.
Having long lamented a dearth of options at left-back, the Socceroos now have three candidates for that problem position plying their trade in leading European competitions.
Davidson is in the Dutch top flight for Heracles Almelo along with FC Utrecht flyer Michael Zullo while Aziz Behich is on the verge of starting his stint at Turkish outfit Bursaspor.
Davidson made his sole Socceroos appearance is Australia’s friendly against Scotland in Edinburgh last August, while Zullo, the most capped of the three with nine appearances, was coach Holger Osieck’s preferred option in Australia’s 3-2 loss to Romania last month.
Five-time capped Behich made an impression on Osieck as part of the squad that successfully contested the East Asian Cup qualifying tournament in Hong Kong last December.
“It’s pretty much a battle out of us three. I think the key is to play at club level,” said Davidson, who has made just nine appearances in 25 games at Hercules.
“The boss (Osieck) has made it pretty clear that whoever is playing regularly in first team football will get the chance to play.
“I can’t really speak about the other two. All I can really speak about is me and how I have to work up to get back into the first eleven (at Heracles).
“I know that when I do that, that will be enough to get another call up.
“The other two boys, I think they’ll be thinking the same.”
Whoever gets the nod at left-back will have the added pressure of marshalling a back line missing captain Lucas Neill who is suspended from the Oman clash on March 26 in Sydney.
Neill has been front and centre for all 10 of Australia’s World Cup qualification matches to date – the only player to boast such a record.
December’s East Asian Cup qualifiers aside, the last time the Socceroos played a competitive fixture without their skipper was almost two years ago.
“It’s always important to have your captain on your side, but I think we have the quality as well for somebody to step up,” said Davidson.
“People do get suspended and whoever takes the position has to grab it with both hands.”
The Bear
Guest
...too rash in defence young zullo. Unless this changes he's not up to it, especially for opposing teams to milk a pen.
my left foot
Guest
Zullo should be the front runner, Davidson has a lot of promise and is still young, same as behich. Though Zullo is pretty much in the starting 11, seems to be going great guns.
Vinnie
Guest
cassio should be playing for Brazil, even though he wouldnt make the Brazil D team. we already have enough aussie's vying for the left back position, the socceroos dont need no skilled labour from overseas to fill the gaps
Sam
Guest
Now this isnt my Adelaide bias but shouldnt Cassio be thought about for the left back position?
Adrian
Guest
bad thing for Davidson, is not starting for a team like Heracles, yes Heracles is in dutch league, but the team not rated that high Heracles has a club ELO ranting 1375 Leeds in the English Champ league has a ELO ranting 1376 FSV Frankfurt in Bundesliga 2nd has ELO ranting 1378 Michael Zullo not starting for FC Utrecht, and Aziz Behich (1472) who just join Bursaspor (1494) for the A-league , both teams have much higher ELO rantings .. I think starting for any number of A-league teams, is better then sitting on the bench for a team like Heracles, because Heracles is just not rated higher enough to get much value out just training with team..Good thing for Davidson, is he still only 21 years old, and should get much better over the next 3 years
Victorioso
Roar Rookie
Adama Traoré gets Australian citizenship = Socceroos' left-back position problem solved.