Who is No.1 ... we come up with the Socceroos pecking order. Source:FOX SPORTS
Welcome to the Socceroos Power Rankings - your chance to play the role of Holger Osieck and scour the globe and debate the pecking order of Aussie players vying for a spot in the national squad on the road to Brazil.
To kick-start the countdown to the first big game in 2013 – Tuesday night’s qualifier against Oman in Sydney – a Fox Sports football roundtable of Simon Hill, Andy Harper, Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater have ranked their top-50 Australian footballers.
It’s subjective, it’s opinionated and it’s going to provoke great debate.
Their criteria was simple: if you are the coach, who are the first names on your team sheet right now, based on form and fitness?
Do you agree with the guys? What would you change? Join the debate!
10. Tom Rogic (4 caps): of all the talent to leave our shores in recent years, is Rogic the most exciting? The former Central Coast Mariners dynamo is now forging his new life in Scotland with Celtic and provides Australia with a genuine playmaking option. He has the technique, and he is building a physical presence – he provides a real reason for Socceroos fans to remain hopeful that the next generation can deliver.
9. Brett Holman (58): what a journey it has been for the former Parramatta Power player. Five years ago he was a polarising figure amongst Australian fans; 18 months ago, he might have been pushing this list’s top-3. But a torrid few months at Aston Villa places him in a fight for his spot in the Socceroos' line-up. His energy, incisiveness and off-the-ball movement makes him a vital cog in this line-up – it’s just interesting to see how Osieck gets the best out of him in the system, particularly while he's lacking match sharpness.
8. Matt McKay (33): since McKay, who debuted in 2006, became a regular first-team player in the 2011 Asian Cup, he has been an indispensible member of the side. He rarely plays a bad game and his utility value, engines, consistency and left-foot option have been used across the field. Is even more important given that he provides a safer option should one of the younger brigade not step-up to fill the left-back role. Rated as high as No.2 by Harps.
7. Mile Jedinak (37): another fabulous reason to celebrate what the Mariners have brought to Australian football. To think that Jedinak was overlooked for the first season of the A-League is mind-blowing, given he now captains Crystal Palace and is so highly rated by his coach Ian Holloway. A physical presence with a good passing range and an unstoppable long-range shot, Jedinak is a vital member of the Socceroos set-up.
6. Alex Brosque (18): Brosque has made the most of Josh Kennedy’s absence to mould himself as one of the core members of Osieck’s recent squads. While he is not a traditional target man, the miles he covers during a game is the leg-work that makes life easier for the likes of Cahill and co. He’d love to improve his scoring rate – something resembling his nine in 16 for Al Ain would be nice! It will be interesting to see if his move to the Middle East helps or hinders his cause.
5. Mark Bresciano (65): ‘Bresc’ has scored some of Australia’s most crucial goals in recent seasons, and after a post-2010 World Cup hiatus, his return to the fold was a great fillip for the side. While the future looks brighter now with the likes of Rogic, Oar, Holland stepping up to the mark, Bresciano’s return provided much-needed creative impetus and experience. He is as fit as ever thanks to life in the Middle East and if you needed any reminder about his goal-scoring talents, just check out his recent goal against Scotland.
4. Lucas Neill (89): it will be really interesting to see how the Socceroos go against Oman in Neill's absence. Indeed, there are plenty of centre-backs on this list, which hints that the panel knows the importance of succession at the back while also hoping someone steps up to the plate soon to challenge for a first-team spot. The skipper has polarised fan opinion in recent times, but for all the talk about the 35-year-old’s worth to both Sydney FC and the Socceroos, can Osieck really afford not to have him in his side? His selection at No.4 should spark some of the more interesting debate, particularly after his struggles with soft-tissue injuries during his Sydney FC stint.
3. Mark Schwarzer (104): there’s not much more that can be said for the Socceroos’ custodian after 20 years in the international arena. His longevity is admirable as he continues to excel in the Barclays Premier League for Fulham. His presence instils confidence in those in front of him, and although Australia boasts as much depth between the sticks as in any position, Schwarzer remains No.1, with daylight second. Voted No.1 by Simon Hill and Mark Bosnich.
2. Robbie Kruse (21): the undoubted man of the moment and the poster-boy for generation next. It’s amazing to see how far the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory player has come, with plenty in Germany saying it is only a matter of time until he moves onwards and upwards from Fortuna Dusseldorf. His attacking spark, pace, incisiveness and energy have been a breath of fresh air for the side over the past 12-18 months during their best and worst displays. He was barely pipped by Cahill for the No.1 spot, but it is a huge positive for Australian football that a 24-year-old on the rise is making a name for himself at international level. Chosen as No.1 by Andy Harper, Robbie Slater and foxsports.com.au.
1. Tim Cahill (60): his Premier League days may be past him, but Timmy is a Socceroos legend – and still side’s talisman. He has always been the man for the big occasion and there is no bigger than the World Cup or qualification. Cahill has been re-invigorated since moving to New York from Everton and that can only fill Aussie fans with confidence. Interestingly, he wasn’t chosen at No.1 by any of the panel, but accrued the most votes by being No.2 or No.3 in each list cast by our panel.
The country’s quest to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil re-starts on Tuesday night. Australia are locked in a dogfight with Oman, Iraq and Jordan for the second automatic spot in Group B, eight points behind Japan. You can watch this vital clash live and in stunning HD from 6.30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 1 HD, with kick-off from 7pm.
