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The Socceroos are a sports fan’s nightmare, at times the tease to be on top of the world before losing a game 6-0 to a team on top of the world, thus appearing mediocre.
A significant part of the Socceroos’ problem is that no one knows who is the best starting line-up.
Holger Osieck, the man who led the team to the brink of the 2011 Asian Cup title, seems to have lost his swagger and instead of preparing the side for next year’s World Cup, is persistent in boosting over aged players number of international caps.
In light of this here is my starting team for our first match in Brazil, regardless of whom we are paired with.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Mat Ryan – Starting goalkeeper of Club Brugge, the fact he is starting hoists him above most of the contenders.
He is a fine goalkeeper that rarely makes errors which is a big reassurance for a defensive line.
Right Back: Dylan McGowan – A solid fullback who is becoming a regular for Scottish Premier League side Hearts.
He is quick off the mark which is a real benefit against fast attacks.
Centre Back: Lucas Neill (C) – I know he will be 36 by the time the World Cup comes around but he is the country’s natural leader.
He is one of the best defenders Australia has produced and with a solid J-League season under his belt at Omiya Ardija, Neill should be ready to captain the Socceroos for the second time in a World Cup.
Centre Back: Rhys Williams – He should have been at the last World Cup hadn’t he been blighted by injury.
Williams is club captain of Championship club Middlesbrough and is credited for have a strong ability in the air as well as the ability to play out from the back.
Left Back: Luke Wilkshire – Usually positioned at right back however I feel McGowan would benefit from playing on his natural side whereas Wilkshire has the ability and experience to do a decent job on either side.
Currently with Dynamo Moscow, Wilkshire is Australia’s best dead-ball player with the ability to whip the ball in from anywhere in the attacking third.
Centre Midfield: Mile Jedinak – Runs the midfield like a boss. Club captain for Premier League new boys Crystal Palace.
Jedinak is a tireless worker who is effective a screening his defence as well as distributing when on the break.
Centre Midfield: Mark Milligan – Probably Melbourne Victory’s best player last season. He is finally delivering on his potential that saw him captain all the younger-aged national sides.
So much so that a number of Premier League sides had been scouting him with offers between 1 to 2 million dollars being thrown around.
Milligan plays similar to former Socceroo, Vince Grella which is exactly what the Socceroo’s need to partner Jedinak.
Right Wing: Robbie Kruse – He is the most exciting player Australia has had since Harry Kewell.
He has the full bag of tricks to open up many international backlines and if he isn’t starting the Socceroos may as well stay home.
At 24, the Bayer Leverkusen wide man is now ready to work his skills on the world stage.
Attacking Midfield: Tom Rogic – Still yet to secure a starting role in the side however it is clear that he is the player the Socceroos have needed for so long.
A number ten that is adventurous with the ability to set up and score goals. At only 20 years of age, the Celtic playmaker could be key to setting up the Socceroo’s attacking movements.
Left Wing: Tommy Oar – I was watching when he made his A-League debut at only 16 years of age and even then he was matching it with the big boys.
Tommy Oar plays for Eredivisie club FC Utrecht and has similar abilities to Robbie Kruse.
Striker: Josh Kennedy – A season striker that would compliment a younger attacking midfield trio.
He possesses the ability to hold the ball up and his height has its advantages.
A 15-goal plus season at Japanese club Nagoya Grampus should see ‘Jesus’ lead the line in Brazil.
I imagine there may be people who are screaming out ‘Where is Cahill!’ or ‘What about Schwarzer!’ or “Mark Milligan plays in the A-League!’ – well you my friends are the people who bring down Australian football.
I know I have included some old heads but that is for the betterment of the whole squad.
The Socceroos for too long have relied on Cahill playing upfront or Schwarzer playing in goals because ‘there was no other options’ – because there are other options.
The A-League is a decent league and there is most likely going to be a number of players representing their nation in next year’s World Cup who play for teams in the A-League.
So instead of hoping for it to be 2006 next year with Mark Viduka leading the line call for the names of Amini, Vidosic and Davidson to be included in the squad because they are the players that we need to perform to reach Russia 2018.
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