The excitement around the Socceroos’ camp has been great. In fact, for many it’s the most exciting chapter for the national team since the heroics of the Ange Postecoglou-led 2015 Asian Cup squad.
With qualification for next year’s Olympics a priority of Football Australia, what might the under-23 line-up look like? It’s more stacked than previously thought…
4-3-3
Bilokapic has plenty of competition but shapes as the likely shot-stopper; the towering boy from Sydney is currently scrapping for promotion with EFL 1 side Peterborough United and is racking up plenty of responsibility in keeping his club’s chase alive.
The first-choice for the Olyroos at left-back falls to Belgium-based Bos. In fact, Bos is, for many, first-choice for the Socceroos also with the 20-year-old having taken the field against Argentina, England and New Zealand already.
One of the most relieving coups Australia has pulled off. The Western Australian talent continues to ply his trade in Italy where he’s a starting XI mainstay and showed his quality on his Socceroos debut this month.
Alessandro Circati looks on after the Serie B Playoffs match between Parma and Cagliari Calcio on June 03, 2023 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Andrea Cantini/Parma Calcio 1913/Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)
Sunderland’s big-bodied youngster stakes his claim to pair alongside Circati. A quality defender with an A-League title to his name, Triantis will be even stronger off the back of his first season in chasing Premier League promotion with the Black Cats.
Another Western Australian talent and a natural leader who has worn the captain’s armband previously for the national team. Rawlins continues to develop in the Dutch football environment with FC Utrecht. A reliable, well-rounded footballer, Rawlins will deepen Graham Arnold’s right-back selection headaches in seasons to come.
Already in the pipeline for a Socceroos cap, Yazbek has catapulted onto the European scene, nailing a starting XI position with Norway’s Viking FK and is touted by many as a mainstay of the Socceroos squad for years to come. Will play 90 minutes without issue.
Now in Scotland, Nieuwenhof’s rise last season was a true highlight for A-League fans. The New South Welshman continues to fight for his position at Hearts but has shown good glimpses in his performances thus far. Paired with Yazbek, Nieuwenhof will bring value to a knockout tournament.
Bear with me: Volpato’s impending allegiance to Australia would be best followed with an Olympics call-up. A lethal attacking player, Volpato can play central or to the flank. In this line-up, I have the Sassuolo youngster holding a No.10 role – with a licence to roam.
No explanation needed – the star boy of the last 18 months is already setting a strong impression with Eredivisie loan club, Volendam. One of the best wide-attacking threats Australia has produced in recent years, Kuol’s impact could be huge, especially off the back of another pre-season with Newcastle United.
Aussie fans haven’t forgotten the quality that “Mo” Toure possesses. Now with Paris FC on-loan from Reims, Toure has grown accustomed to French football. Already capped with the Socceroos, Tony Vidmar would be salivating at the prospect of combining Toure with the aforementioned.
Scored a brilliant goal against Argentina at the last Olympics. Celtic’s Marco Tilio remains eligible and brings slick skills that are (very) easy on the eyes. Returning from injury, it will be interesting to see how the former Melbourne City man’s style evolves under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers.
Bench: Nestory Irankunda, Noah Botic, Hosine Bility, Lucas Mauragis, Jake Hollman, Jacob Farrell, Cameron Peupion, Cameron Cook.
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