The 23 Men Who Can Create History – Part A

Mile Jedinak – The Captain

Socceroos Cap: 52

Socceroos Goals: 6

Current Club: Crystal Palace (England)

Jedinak probable doesn’t receive the plaudits he deserves in the Premier League, holding the Crystal Palace midfield together against some of the best know players in the World.  Jedinak is the perfect choice for captain who leads from the front and won’t leave anything out on the field.  The calmest of penalty takers, Jedinak could be called upon in pressure situations as he along with Tim Cahill are the face of the national team on home soil.

Expectations: Jedinak will play the majority of minutes in the campaign (if not all) and will be our General in the midfield.  Jedinak isn’t the prettiest of players but if he steps up to take a crucial penalty during the tournament I will be feeling confident about the end result.

Terry Antonis

Socceroos Cap: 3

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Sydney FC (Australia)

One of seven home based players Antonis finds himself in the squad alongside childhood hero Tim Cahill.  Whilst the story was a great feel good moment for the Socceroos PR department I don’t see the attacking midfielder having much impact on our Asian cup destiny.

Expectations: Don’t expect Antonis to feature during this campaign but the time he spends in the national camp will only benefit him as a player going forward.  As a 21 year old Antonis has the opportunity to cement his place in any future Socceroos squads with some solid training performances and a possible cameo.

Aziz Behich

Socceroos Cap: 7

Socceroos Goals: 2

Current Club: Bursapor (Turkey)

Behich has talent and speed to burn, but can he reach that extra level required for Socceroos duty?  Many fans will be familiar with his bursting runs in the A-League for Melbourne Heart, but also remember he did return on loan last season and performed below par.  Behich has taken his chances at national level and looks ahead of fellow left back Jason Davidson at this point in time.

Expectations: With the Socceroos first game in Melbourne expect Aziz to start in front of his home crowd.  From then on, it’s up to him to hold down his place in the team.  The attacking defender will have to be mindful he doesn’t get too far forward or will find himself on one of those nice new benches for the remainder of the tournament.

Mark Bresciano

Socceroos Cap: 81

Socceroos Goals: 13

Current Club: Al Gharafa (Qatar)

The midfield maestro returns home in what could very well be his final tournament.  The 34 year old is a revered figure in Australian football and this would be a fitting farewell for the member of the golden generation.

Expectations: Don’t expect Bresciano to start every game, he’s more a cameo type player these days.  If the game is there to be won or finished off Ange will give Bresciano and his substitution will be imminent.

Nathan Burns

Socceroos Cap: 7

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: Wellington Phoenix (New Zealand)

The bolter of the squad has gone from forgotten man to a potential starter and key man in the Socceroos campaign.  Currently leading the golden boot race in the A-League, Burns has been scoring goals for fun at Wellington.  10 goals in 12 games were far too much for Ange to ignore and Burns won’t let him down when called upon.

Expectations: Whilst he may not start the first game expect Burns to have an impact in most games.  Playing in an attacking role is difficult at times given the lack of scoring the Socceroos have done over the past 12 months but Burns could just be the man to turn this trend around.

 

Tim Cahill

Socceroos Cap: 76

Socceroos Goals: 36

Current Club: New York Red Bulls (United States of America)

The poster boy of Australian football returns home after a disappointing season with New York Red Bulls and some starting to question his future as the 35 seems well beyond his best, at least at club level.  Of course his heroics at Brazil will never be forgotten and he will have openly put his national career ahead of any club he has played for.  Whilst Cahill stated he wanted to play at the next World Cup I think the Asian Cup could be his final swansong, at least in front of a passionate home crowd.  Cahill needs to be careful of picking up yellow cards during the tournament, something Ange must consider.

Expectations: The Socceroos all time leading scored has earned the right to be in the starting XI but if things don’t go so well expect Cahill to play less of a role as the tournament progresses.  Cahill Cameo’s could just win us the Cup.

Jason Davidson

Socceroos Cap: 13

Socceroos Goals: 0

Current Club: West Bromwich Albion (England)

Somewhat lucky to be included in the squad, Davidson finds himself out of favour at club level.  A recent change of manager (new manager not announced yet) at club level may very well fix this, but Davidson will find himself playing catch up as he flies to the other side of the world to play in this prestigious tournament.  Davidson needs to find the form that made so impressive in Brazil and everything else should take care of itself.  Great to see a Baggie in the Socceroos squad from a selfish point of view though.

Expectations: At this stage of the tournament I find it hard to find Davidson on the pitch at any stage of the Cup.  Injuries and form of others will dictate his Asian Cup campaign.

Google+