Another eventful week in European football and the Australians (or at least their clubs) were featuring in the headlines of the football world.
Luke Brattan – Bolton [still waiting…]
The former Roar midfielder is currently having a tough time in England’s lower division. He is yet to make an appearance for Bolton and is simply being forced to wait for his chance and continue to train. Currently on the bottom of the ladder, the question becomes whether or not he will get a chance to play with the side before his loan spell ends next month. Chances are he will return to Manchester City having worked his way back into shape before they loan him out again to a side that will actually play him. After all it is not in Bolton’s interests to give him any time if he is on his way out soon and frankly, leaving may be in his best interests anyway.
Mustafa Amini – Randers
One player having slightly better luck in their endeavours is former Mariners playmaker Amini who is experiencing an extended run in the first team. Currently sitting sixth in the Danish Superliga, the team had a scoreless draw on the weekend. While he is yet to score for his side, reports say he has been an important member of the team so far and is putting himself into Socceroos contention by fulfilling Postecoglu’s requirement to play often and play well.
Mat Ryan – Valencia [new manager]
As reported last week, the Socceroos goalkeeper is operating under a new manager with Gary Neville appointed as the interim boss for the remainder of the season. Working in his favour is the fact that Neville is an English speaker making communication between the two easy. At the weekend he was left on the bench as his side drew 1-1 with heavyweights Barcelona.
Massimo Luongo – QPR [new manager]
Another Socceroos player with a new boss is Massimo Luongo, whose club QPR opted to hire Premier League legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as the man to replace Neil Warnock. Having spent just over a year with Burton, earning promotion from League Two this offseason, Hasselbaink can build his resume by turning around the London club. In terms of its impact on Luongo, Warnock’s style was far away from Luongo’s skill-set so the appointment of the Dutchman might bring the midfield back into play.
Kerem Bulut – Iraklis [goal and two yellows]
While not necessarily a member of the Socceroos team, Bulut’s exploits in Greece on Saturday night warrant a mention. With the scores locked up at 1-1 just after an hour, the former Wanderers marksman scored what would be the winning goal before picking up two yellow cards in the next two minutes leading to his dismissal.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
