Oliver Bozanic has been a standout player this season in a rejuvenated Central Coast Mariners side.
His leadership, control and classiness in the centre of midfield have deservedly made him a potential contender for the Johnny Warren Medal.
Based on his form, and the experience and leadership he brings to the table, Bozanic should be seriously considered for a place in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad.
Although the early-season form that saw the Central Coast race out of the blocks has waned in recent weeks, the Mariners have the potential to go all the way in the upcoming finals series.
Under the excellent coaching of Alen Stajcic, the Mariners have combined exciting youth talent – such as Alou Kuol and Josh Nisbet – with reliable professionals – including Mark Birighitti and club legend Matt Simon – to create a well disciplined side.
Key to their success has been the presence of the seasoned Bozanic in the centre of the park. He brings extensive experience from his time featuring for teams overseas in Scotland, Japan, Switzerland and England.
In his return to the A-League this season, the Mariners’ skipper has dominated the midfield for his side. He has started all but one game for the Central Coast, racking up 1786 minutes thus far.
As captain, his leadership on and off the field have made a noticeable impact on the attitude and commitment of the players around him.
(Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Distribution, composure and match awareness are key to Bozanic’s game. His touch, range of passing and control in tight areas are a joy to watch.
In a team that has averaged just under 47 per cent possession this season, Bozanic makes 59.04 passes per game, completing 86 per cent of these attempts. Often dropping deep between his two centrebacks, Bozanic dictates the tempo of the Mariners’ build-up play.
He has formed a formidable partnership in the centre of the park with the promising Gianni Stensness. Bozanic’s form this season has been recognised by his fellow players. He won the PFA Player of the Month award for February.
Based on his form alone, Bozanic should be in serious consideration for a place in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad. However, the experience and leadership that he possess are just as valuable.
Bozanic’s last appearance for the Socceroos was in 2015, as a substitute in a friendly match against Macedonia. In total he has played seven times at the senior international level. Bozanic has indicated his desire to add to his international caps, claiming in February that he would “love to get more opportunities to play for Australia”.
His positional evolution to a deeper midfield role could provide a new opportunity for reintegration into the Socceroos’ side.
Although it would prove difficult to dislodge incumbents Aaron Mooy, James Jeggo and Jackson Irvine, Bozanic has proven over the course of the 2020-21 A-League season that he has the ability to play again at the highest level.
An experienced and composed leader at the base of the Socceroos’ midfield to distribute and dictate play may be just what is needed.
Even if he was not to feature, Bozanic’s presence would also provide serious competition for these midfield roles, perhaps spurring on the incumbents to greater heights.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
If Bozanic does not make the cut for Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad, he should also be considered as one of three possible over-age players for the Olyroos’ upcoming Olympics campaign. Drawn in a challenging Group C, featuring Argentina, Egypt and Spain, the Olyroos’ campaign kicks off on July 22.
A number of eligible Mariners players are in hot contention for a spot in the 18-player squad to be announced in June – including Daniel De Silva (11 under-23 caps), Daniel Bouman (eight caps), Ruon Tongyik (three caps) and Kye Rowles (one cap).
Young flyers Alou Kuol and Josh Nisbet have burst onto the scene this season, and are also deserving of a chance to showcase their talent at the Olympics.
Bozanic’s leadership capabilities have already been highlighted in a much improved Central Coast side this season. His experience and composure could provide the young Olyroos with a valuable boost against tough opposition at the Olympics.
However, Arnold has indicated that he is reluctant to select over-age players in his Olyroos squad, arguing that “I will not pick an over-age player just for the sake of a name”.
Regardless, based on his form this season, combined with his experience and leadership, Bozanic should be seriously considered for either a return to the Socceroos or Olyroos.
Hudddo
Roar Rookie
He's not there for the goals.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Good player, stands out, but maybe not Socceroos standard for me.
Grem
Roar Rookie
He is starting to look the part of a midfield general - like Jedinak and Milligan. I wouldn't be disappointed to see him chosen.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Bozanic - 3 goals in 19 matches (1 in every 6.3) Luongo - Zero goals from 12 matches Hrujstic - 1 goal from 9 matches
coolncold
Roar Rookie
The dumb Arnold may pick him.
Nick Symonds
Guest
No mention of his goals per match ratio. 3 goals in 19 matches = 1 in every 6.3 There are at least a dozen players with ratios around 1:2 or better who could make the squad. If you include players with ratios of 1:3 or even 1:4 then the list becomes huge.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
There is zero chance of him being selected for either squad. Australia has a decent amount of midfields currently and there's a lot of talent coming through the age groups now. Its an area Australia will be fine in, for the next decade. if he was contributing goals and assists he might get a look in, but given his age i still wouldn't be selecting him. He's a water carrier and Australia has younger, better water carriers already.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Bozanic was promising until he went to Melbourne Victory dont know what happened to him there he had a decent first season his second season there was a decline in performance. When he came back for City he was ordinary. He then seems to have fixed himself up a bit in Scotland and then with the Mariners. The question is why didn't he perform at what should have been his peak age. Now he is 32 he has wasted his best years but credit to him performing better now. Someone needs to address what is going on with a lot of the players, look at Mitch Nichols , Musaliak, Chris Triantis, Devante Clut. The golden generation a lot of whom were not that talented were a lot harder working. The Mariners have been a team effort rather than Bozanic being the stand out reason I wouldnt pick him his effort has returned to being inconsistent, Kuol has been good off the bench against tired teams but he clearly hasn't got the fitness when he starts. Nisbet is a good prospect for the Olyroos he covers the ground a Kante would cover. I have been impressed by Connor Metcalfe, Joey Champness.
Grem
Roar Rookie
He has matured into a mentally strong and inspirational player. He could be a good choice but midfield is an area where we are pretty well covered. Apart from the three mentioned there's Luongo, Hrujstic, and others.
stu
Guest
I think he spent most of his career overseas on the bench.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Where did he go for all these years anyway???
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Agree IMO should be picked