As Tony Popovic’s Perth Glory rolls on, Jason Davidson has quietly continued his bid for a return to the Socceroos.
Davidson’s European club adventure started so well, in Portugal, where Pacos de Ferreira saw him complete a tough apprenticeship in defending against the likes of a young Angel di Maria.
He was a fan favourite at Dutch outfit Heracles Almelo, where his form earned him regular Socceroos games and a starring role in Australia’s 2015 Asian Cup triumph.
Tougher times would come though, when a dream move to then-Premier League side West Bromwich Albion produced little in the way of first-team opportunities, before spells with Huddersfield, a brief respite at FC Groningen, a terrible time in Croatia with Rijeka, and a decent stint in Slovakia.
The left-back endured a couple of tough seasons, which cost him his Socceroos berth and a chance at competing at a second consecutive World Cup.
But since returning home, he has proven himself as arguably being the best left-back in the league and one of the signings of the season.
Davidson managed a goal and an assist during Perth’s resounding 4-0 win over Brisbane Roar, taking his assists tally to the season to four.
The only question remaining is how well does he have to play before he is considered for a look-in from Graham Arnold?
Graham Arnold. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
With Aziz Behich struggling for game-time at Dutch giants PSV and Alex Gersbach yet to make a single appearance for NAC Breda since signing in the summer, Davidson may soon find himself back in favour for the green and gold.
Even former Liverpool left-back Brad Smith only managed six appearances for the Seattle Sounders in the MLS since joining on loan from Bournemouth.
Davidson has appeared in all 19 of Glory’s games thus far this season and his consistency must have been noticed by now. In fact, he may have considered himself unlucky not to have been called up to the Asian Cup for Australia’s ill-fated tournament – at the very least as an option off the bench – such was his form leading into squad selection.
With Popovic favouring a back-three this season, Davidson has taken on far greater importance, having to contribute equally going forward as defensively, and has done so with incredible consistency.
If there is one criticism, it’s that he perhaps hasn’t done as well with some of his shooting opportunities, but otherwise he has been almost flawless.
His outstanding work-rate allows Popovic the flexibility to commit so many numbers forward, and while the likes of Diego Castro, Chris Ikonomidis and Andy Keogh continue to receive much of the plaudits, Davidson’s work goes seemingly unappreciated.
At 27, Davidson still has plenty to offer the national team and if he can continue to perform as well as he has for the Glory, he may find himself an A-League champion by the time the season comes to end.
Whether or not the former Socceroo would be willing to adventure overseas with his young family once again in light of his recent experiences remains to be seen, but he may become an attractive proposition for offers from Asia or perhaps even Europe once more.
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
More importantly, he deliberately shuffled the squad around to expose as many players as possible to competitive football. On his watch, Davidson, Behich, Gersbach, Smith and Meredith all started games. Compare that style to BVM and Arnie. Think the final Syria game was the last time a left-back other than Behich started a game. He also played every minute of both the World and Asian Cups...
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
The national team needs to be more responsive to good form. Although the media does like to pump up the tyres of an A-league player the moment they have a good run, there's also a tendency for incumbents, and starters in particular, to be picked on reputation alone. Early in his tenure, Ange was good at rewarding good form regardless of age or league, but since then we've reverted to type. On current form, Davidson is arguably the best option at LB: Behich is entrenched as injury cover at PSV, Gersbach is only just getting gametime at NAC (and will probably be in the 2nd division next season), Smith is out injured and Meredith and Elder aren't playing at all.
Onside
Guest
"willing to adventure overseas (again) ". Hopefully, future adjustments to investment rules and the salary cap will result in Davidson and his ilk being adequately rewarded to play in Australia.
Fadida
Roar Rookie
Some would argue that Milicic has well and truly served an apprenticeship in international football JB
Fadida
Roar Rookie
You and your conspiracy theories Waz. Must be the legacy of being raised in the Banana Republic of Qld under JBP?
Matthew
Roar Rookie
All he can do is keep playing games. If the squad is basically being picked 'because they play overseas' then what is the point? What is the point playing overseas if you arnt actually playing. just sitting in the stands or the bench? The best players for Australia at the Asian cup were all players playing every game. Thats the truth.
Nick Symonds
Guest
I don't know, but he could always ask Robbie Kruse for a bit of advice.
AGO74
Guest
Interesting post. To some extent Ange had an eye on this in 2014 with his significant overhaul in six months prior to WC in Brazil with a view to (eventually) 2018. Neill Wilshire Holman were amongst several jettisoned. Some went on (Leckie, Ryan) to be successful while others (Oar Taggart Halloran) faded or even regressed big time. Davidson is really only recovering now following his ill fated move to West Bromwich post Brazil. In other words it’s an inexact science and for that reason I think it’d be dangerous to adopt that approach. By all means keep an eye on the future but ultimately winning the games now is the priority.
Strayan
Roar Rookie
has he learnt how to play the offside rule as a defender yet?
Griffo
Roar Guru
It goes without saying if you are in form you are probably being tracked... ...whether you get selected is a different matter, and may have a little to do with coming in and understanding a system within 24 hours (which should be possible) and preferences on known players, and the number available for that position (left back has been a problem area), and whether there is a long term plan to bring experience to younger players in the national team setup (27 is not old though, and prior experience)... Behich looks to have locked down that position for now, which generally he's been good. However if cover is preferred then bringing in form players to challenge for a place is a good thing.
Nick Symonds
Guest
It won't matter who we select for the Socceroos in the future. No one will be able to beat the Chinese and their team produced from a generation of gene-edited super babies: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-20/what-we-risk-as-humans-if-we-allow-gene-edited-babies/10824860
Brian
Guest
Gersbach is 21, there is no major tournament for 3.5 years. There is no significant qualifying match for 18 months, surely now is the time to back him. I'd really like to see the whole XI picked on who we believe will peak in 2022. Gersbach, Degenek, Mabil, Ikonomidis I'd like to see them all play as much as possible so we are as good as we can be for WCQ, World Cup and Asian Cup
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Agreed. Reminds me of Azpilicueta is Chelsea championship in 16/17.
jbinnie
Guest
Waz - Tut ,tut, you are not suggesting another example of "old boy's club" at work ,are you? What with this "incident", and the appointment of Milicic. a coach with very limited coaching/management experience, to the top job in Women's football, all within days of each other, one is left to wonder. jb.
AGO74
Guest
The author is wrong re Alex Gersbach. He has played virtually every game since joining up with Breda. after Asian Cup. That said he’s playing in a poor team coming last (they got pumped 5-0 by Ajax on the weekend). Aziz Behich played poorly at Asian Cup when compared to this performances at the World Cup. His lack of game time with PSV would have to have contributed significantly to this when compared to being an ever present with Bursaspor prior to the World Cup.
Waz
Roar Rookie
His father is well connected at the FFA, maybe he could arrange it? That seems to be the way things work in Australian football ...