The value of foreign-developed players: What Football Australia can learn from Morocco for Socceroos success
Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
Western Sydney defender Matthew Spiranovic is hoping Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill’s lack of game time may help his push for a World Cup spot.
Neill has been a constant presence in the Socceroos’ central defence for almost a decade but coach Ange Postecoglou has cast serious doubt over his selection for the upcoming March international friendly in Europe with a yet-to-be-named opponent.
The 35-year-old former Blackburn and West Ham star is still yet to secure a club since leaving Japanese outfit Omiya Ardija last month.
Spiranovic was once touted a future fixture of Australia’s back line but has not played for the Socceroos in over a year due to injuries and falling out of favour with former coach Holger Osieck. He earned the last of his 16 caps in November 2012.
The former Melbourne Victory player made a return to the A-League after stints in Germany, Japan and the Middle East in the hope of breaking back into the national fold ahead of the World Cup.
Since his Wanderers’ debut in round five against Melbourne Heart, his strong showings saw him emerge as coach Tony Popovic’s preferred option alongside Nikolai Topor-Stanley with skipper Michael Beauchamp dropped to the bench.
But with Popovic yet to field the same starting 11 in consecutive matches Spiranovic has been limited to just nine starts so far.
However, the 25-year-old still appears better-placed than Neill to earn a Socceroos spot with Postecoglou not willing to consider anyone not playing regularly.
And Spiranovic said that is driving him more than ever to ensure he performs every time he plays.
“Lucas like all the players faces the same challenges that I do, he needs to find regular game time and to be fit and healthy come selection time in May,” he said on Tuesday.
“That’s my challenge too, then it’s up to Ange.
“So every time I step out on to the field I try to put my best foot forward.
“I think we have a couple of friendlies leading up to the big tournament so I think players will be able to show Ange what they’re capable of.”
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Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
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