The 23 Men Who Could Create History – Part C

 

Matt McKay

Socceroos Cap: 50

Socceroos Goals: 1

Current Club: Brisbane Roar (Australia)

McKay is a favourite of Ange’s who is a perfect back up player in the squad.  Questions were raised with the non selection of Aaron Mooy but the selection of McKay gives Ange a player who he knows and trusts, and may call upon if needed.  McKay hasn’t has the greatest of seasons at Brisbane but hasn’t been surrounded by quality players this season.

Expectations: McKay will only be used if a spate of injuries goes through the squad.  I cannot see the veteran of 50 caps adding to his tally over the next month.

Mark Milligan

Socceroos Cap: 33

Socceroos Goals: 2

Current Club: Melbourne Victory (Australia)

A stray elbow cost Mark Milligan a three game suspension at A-League level but also could cost him a place in the starting XI against Kuwait.  Milligan has been a staple in the Socceroos line up in recent times but his form at club level has wavered of late and now faces competition from other midfielders in the squad.

Expectations: Milligan will need to play well when given the opportunity.  Expect Ange to select the Victory marquee player in the first game or two then his performances will control his selection.  It’s important to have Milligan and Spiranovic in the starting XI to prove the worth of our local domestic league.

Tommy Oar

Socceroos Cap: 20

Socceroos Goals: 1

Current Club: FC Utrecht (Netherlands)

Another talented player who cannot find that extra gear required at international level.  Oar has found it tough to hold down a place in the Socceroos team but is more than capable when given a chance.

Expectations: Oar could be used off the bench in a few games, depending on the situation of the game.  Oar is capable of creating chances for our strikers and could become a handful for opposition defenders in the latter stages of some games.

 

Mat Ryan

Socceroos Cap: 13

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Club Brugge (Belgium)

With only 13 caps to his name it would be unfair to place such responsibility on this young man, but the truth of the matter is Ryan is more than capable of handling the pressure and is a vital component to any fairytale home win.  Ryan has been is great form since leaving Australian shores and has quickly become the most important player in the Socceroos starting XI.

Expectations: Ryan will play every minute the Socceroos of the campaign, except if we play the dreaded third placed playoff game.

 

Trent Sainsbury

Socceroos Cap: 4

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: PEC Zwolle (Netherlands)

Sainsbury is a welcome addition to the squad, and should play an important role.  Injury has affected his career, like so many other Socceroos teammates but hopefully now he has turned the corner.  Locked in a battle with Spiranovic and Wilkinson for a starting position in the heart of the Socceroos defence, this tournament has great importance for the 22 year old.

Expectations: Personally I would partner up Sainsbury with Spiranovic in the defence, but I think Ange will select Alex Wilkinson ahead of Sainsbury.  Trent may have to wait on the bench but could get some minutes during the preliminary games.

Matthew Spiranovic

Socceroos Cap: 21

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)

Spiranovic is a key to the hopes of the Socceroos and will play a vital role in the Socceroos defence.  Also capable of playing as a holding midfielder, Spiranovic gives Ange some tactical flexibility if the Socceroos find themselves behind with 20 minutes to go.  Spiranovic must play well if the Socceroos are to perform well at the tournament.

Expectations: Like Mat Ryan, will play the bulk of the minutes of the campaign.  Ange will look to Spiranovic as a defensive leader of the team and give the youngsters some guidance about tournament football.

James Troisi

Socceroos Cap: 16

Socceroos Goals: 1

Current Club: S V Zulte Waregem (Belgium)

More important than most people think, Troisi will be a vital attacking weapon for the Socceroos.  His 45 yard screamer in the Belgium league against Maty Ryan was a reminder of what Troisi is capable of.  Troisi could be another player used off the bench when needed and has played under Ange at international and club level.

Expectations: In the 2010 World Cup I labelled Brett Holman as the Australian ‘X Factor’.  Whilst Troisi isn’t as good as Holman he has the capabilities to fill the ‘X-Factor’ void and become a national hero with some moments of inspiration.

Alex Wilkinson

Socceroos Cap: 11

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Jeonbuk Hyundai (Korea Republic)

A solid defender, but not a great player .  Wilkinson doesn’t inspire confidence at the back and most fans will have some ‘heart in mouth’ moments when he is our defensive general.  Wilkinson needs to become more aggressive toward opposition players and let them know they are playing Australia on our turf.

Expectations: Ange has made Wilkinson one of his favourites in the squad and he should start in Melbourne but has Trent Sainsbury breathing down his neck.

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