Coach Holger Osieck plans to give a fresh approach to the Socceroos by integrating several A-League players into his squad for the Asian Cup.
In contrast to his predecessor Pim Verbeek, who opted only for domestic players if they had international experience or as a last resort, Osieck seems poised to reach out to a number of local talents for his inaugural tournament as coach.
This season’s high-caliber A-League matches have created unprecedented opportunities for Australian-based players to be considered for the primary squad, which, as always, will mainly consist of overseas-based individuals.
Midfielder Jason Culina from Gold Coast is virtually guaranteed a spot, while Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, a member of the 2010 Socceroos World Cup squad, should also secure his place.
Players who have hovered just outside national selection, such as Alex Brosque from Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar’s Matt McKay, Michael Thwaite from Gold Coast, and Jade North of Wellington Phoenix, are expected to be included in the initial 50-man preliminary squad that has yet to be officially announced, which will later be narrowed down to 23 for the tournament.
Furthermore, David Williams, an exciting attacker from North Queensland Fury, and Robbie Kruse, a striker in excellent form with Melbourne Victory, are likely to stir some debate regarding their selections.
Both players have made significant impacts in the A-League this season, with Kruse netting 10 goals across 13 matches and eager for a chance in a position where the Socceroos have limited choices.
On the other hand, Williams has been a beacon of hope amid a lackluster season for the Fury, showcasing the potential he once hinted at on the national under-17 and Young Socceroos stages.
Kruse’s attacking partner at Victory, Archie Thompson, will also be under consideration by Holger Osieck.
Although Thompson has played only a few matches since undergoing knee surgery, he appears to be nearing his intimidating form.
It will be particularly interesting to see how Osieck handles the situation with Melbourne Heart’s Socceroo centre-backs Simon Colosimo and Michael Beauchamp, both of whom have been left out of their A-League team this season.
Colosimo, who was on the brink of joining the 2010 World Cup squad while at Sydney FC, has impressed since regaining his place in Heart’s starting lineup.
Beauchamp, a member of the Socceroos World Cup squad, was omitted from his team’s recent derby loss to Melbourne Victory, yet he has consistently met the national team’s expectations.
Additionally, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill, pivotal players for the Socceroos, have demonstrated outstanding form leading up to the Asian Cup, with Kewell recently scoring twice in back-to-back matches for his Turkish club Galatasaray.
They will lead the overseas-based contingent alongside captain Lucas Neill and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
The final 23-man squad must be finalized by December 28, in preparation for the tournament’s kick-off on January 7.
Prominent nations set to compete in the Asian Cup are also preparing to summon their stars from European leagues, with Japan already naming 11 overseas players in their preliminary 50-man squad.
