Opinion
The dust has settled since the ‘Platinum Generation’s’ Qatar campaign. Socceroos fans are left to ponder the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and the fortunes the tournament may hold for the green and gold.
In Qatar, the exuberance, courage and tenacity of Graham Arnold’s men surprised most Australians who witnessed a team that was prepared to hustle their way to the death.
Following the Socceroos exit at the hands of eventual winners, Argentina, fans were quick to observe that the brave manner in which the team fell short was widely attributed to the lack of individual quality as opposed to desire and attitude.
For Aussie football fans, the vision of an Australian team demonstrating greater footballing pedigree than our South American and European brothers is often laughed down upon as ludicrous.
However, the recent emergence of certain youngsters, such as teenage prodigy Garang Kuol, has offered Australian fans new hope in a generation to come that plays with dare, creativity and instinct.
Is Australian sport on the cusp of entering a football renaissance not seen in this country before? We will explore (some) of the young players yet to be capped who may be the household names of tomorrow.
A mainstay of the Melbourne City XI, Bos has gone from strength-to-strength in his natural left back role. The Victorian continues to exemplify all the qualities expected of the modern-day fullback and is clearly improving with each game this 2022-23 ALM season.
Inevitably destined for European football, Bos presents a solid candidate to inherit the duties of ageing Aziz Behich.
Elder brother of Garang, Alou has been honing his craft with VfB Stuttgart since departing the ALM in April 2021. Boasting exceptional athletic and goal-scoring ability, Alou offers a potential way forward for the Socceroos in unlocking opposition defences.
Yet to make his Bundesliga debut, the question of whether Germany remains Kuol’s best destination going forward remains. Ideally, Kuol finds a home that provides the minutes required in order to realise his full potential.
The Manchester City teenager is currently in the midst of a four-way battle between Australia, England, Scotland and Peru to secure his international commitment.
The son and grandson of former Australian internationals, Mark and Alex, Robertson would make a third-generation Socceroo should he choose the green and gold. The talented midfielder is highly rated by Pep Guardiola and is considered a long-term prospect.
One of the few ALM youngsters who would be widely described an excitement machine. The Adelaide United winger possesses speed, agility and goal-scoring qualities that has the fans at Coopers Stadium on the edge of their seats.
Another prodigy who suffers from the similar God-given qualities that Garang Kuol wields, Irankunda offers an attacking edge that has the potential to terrorise any defensive unit. In all likelihood, Irankunda is more than ten years away from his best football. A salivating prospect.
Perhaps the most frequently mentioned Australian footballer who is yet to be capped by the Socceroos, Francois remains with Premier Club Fulham and is currently on loan to HNK Gorica in Croatia.
A slightly built, intelligent midfielder, Francois has developed steadily and captained the Olyroos at the 2022 Asian Cup. Likely to remain on loan, Francois is a lock-in to receive a senior call-up in the near future should he maintain regular playing time.
The tug-of-war for Volpato’s allegiance remains agonisingly alive and well. Volpato’s decision to not play for the Socceroos, despite a Graham Arnold offer, was perhaps the most polarising of revelations to emerge from the World Cup squad announcement.
However, until Volpato is capped at senior level, Australia remains in the hunt. Volpato has solidified his place at A.S. Roma with a four-year contract extension and the prospect of further first-team football.
Cristian Volpato of AS Roma (Photo by Antonietta Baldassarre/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A recent export to Stade de Reims in France, Toure is remembered by ALM fans as a huge prospect. Tall and strong, Guinean-born Toure plays fearless football and will undoubtedly forge a respectable career, at a minimum.
Now playing in continental Europe, it is plausible to believe that Toure will position himself favourably for a senior call-up in a few seasons to come.
Mohamed Toure (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Eligible for both Italy and Australia, Circati offers depth at centre-back – a role where competition already exists with Souttar, Rowles and Deng. Nonetheless, Circati continues to develop in the Serie B with Parma and has already attracted plenty of club interest abroad.
Towering at 6 foot 3 inches, Circati is sure to grow further into his frame and fill out. A prospect to closely monitor.
Notable mentions:
– Cameron Peupion, Brighton & Hove Albion, 20;
– Lewis Miller, Hibernian, 22;
– Gabriel Popovic, Rudeš, 19
– Joe Gauci, Adelaide United, 22;
– Deni Jurić, Dinamo Zagreb, 25.
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