The 23 Men Who Could Create History – Part B

 

Ivan Franjic

Socceroos Cap: 12

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: FK Torpedo Moskva (Russia)

An injury cruelled Franjic’s world cup campaign in Brazil but the ensuing games showed how much the Socceroos missed the talented defender.  You only have to look at Brisbane Roar this season to see how much he meant to the championship winning team of 2014.

Expectations: Franjic should be a regular in Ange’s squad and will play the majority of minutes in this campaign.  One of the more reliable defenders the Socceroos have, he is an increasingly important piece in the Socceroos puzzle if we are to win the Asian Cup on home soil.

Eugene Galkekovic

Socceroos Cap: 8

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Adelaide United (Australia)

Being the third keeper in any squad isn’t easy but Galekovic will take the opportunity in his stride.  Playing in a time where Maty Ryan stepped into the large shadow of Mark Schwarzer, Galekovic could consider himself unlucky not to make more appearances for the Socceroos but if any opportunity presents itself the ultimate professional will be sitting, ready with his gloves on.

Expectations: Won’t feature in the tournament but will have one of the best seats in the house.  Little consolation though.

 

Chris Herd

Socceroos Cap: 3

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Aston Villa (England)

A risky selection from Ange but could repay the continual faith shown in him from the manager with an injury free solid tournament.  Injury has plagued the career of the talented West Australian but Herd has the ability needed by the Socceroos and also provides a number of tactical options due to the various positions Herd can cover.

Expectations: If Herd stays fit he could provide a vital cog in the Socceroos, but another injury would further question his controversial selection in the 23 man squad.  A risk worth taking.

Tomi Juric

Socceroos Cap: 5

Socceroos Goals: 1

Current Club: Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)

A selection with an eye to the future, Juric’s form has suffered of late; much like his club team.  Juric could be the player Australia needs to light up the tournament but it’s a matter of taking his chances when presented, especially now he is behind Nathan Burns in the pecking order.  There is much to like about Juric, it’s just a matter of waiting for the right time.

Expectations: Could see game time in the Oman game, but will need to take his limited chances.  Australia’s results will dictate his minutes on the pitch.

Robbie Kruse

Socceroos Cap: 32

Socceroos Goals: 3

Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)

One of the key men to Australia’s hopes, Kruse missed Brazil 2014 because of injury but is now fit and ready to show the football world what they’ve missed during his time on the sidelines.  One criticism of Kruse is he probably doesn’t score enough at international level, something the Socceroos (minus Cahill) are all culpable of.  If Kruse scores during the Asian Cup, Socceroos fans should feel confident, we’ve won all three games he has scored in.

Expectations: Will play a major role and if Australia are to do well Kruse will have a massive say.  Along with Ryan is the most important player.

Mitchell Langerak

Socceroos Cap: 5

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

Once touted as Australia’s replacement for Mark Schwarzer, Langerak has been overtaken by the sublime form of Maty Ryan in Belgium.  Supremely talented, Langerak will need to bide his time on the sidelines, but may see action against Oman.  The Asia Cup has come at a bad time for Mitch, with him working his way into the first team once again at Borussia Dortmund, only to find himself back home for January.

Expectations: Won’t play any part, unless Ryan is injured during the Cup.

Mathew Leckie

Socceroos Cap: 16

Socceroos Goals: 1

Current Club: FC Ingolstadt (Germany)

The man with pace to burn, but sometimes little else.  Leckie introduced himself to many Socceroos supporters in Brazil with some blistering runs, and should make some Asian defences look sluggish during the tournament.  Expect Leckie to link up well with Cahill and Kruse and be at the forefront of any Australian attacks.

Expectations: Should start in the first game against Kuwait and hold down his spot throughout the tournament.  The occasional act of brilliance will see Leckie win even more fans and become one of the more popular Socceroos.

Massimo Luongo

Socceroos Cap: 5

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Swindon Town (England)

Highly rated at club level, Luongo hasn’t yet made the same impact at International level but this month could be his coming of age.  At 22 the midfielder has the world at his feet and a home Asian Cup is the perfect stage to show his abilities.

Expectations: May not feature in the first game, but will have an impact against Oman.  Massimo is a player capable of establishing a long Socceroos career; it would be great if 2015 is the start of this.

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