Australia’s road to the 2018 World Cup is underway thanks to a 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan last month, however, there are several key storylines to follow between now and their next match in September.
A number of squad members have the opportunity to benefit from transfers to other clubs. At one point or another, these players have been touted as potential leaders of the team, but club careers have seen their national team prospects suffer.
Outside90’s Benny Jones takes a look at four players who will benefit from new surroundings in the 2015-2016 club season.
Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town – Queens Park Rangers)
Socceroos stats: 12 games, two goals
Dubbed as the next big thing in Australian football, Luongo completed his inevitable move away from League One side Swindon this transfer window. It was his destination that shocked many, with the decision to turn down offers from Premier League clubs to sign with QPR in the Championship. In terms of his career Luongo made the smart move, even if it was not instantly popular among the social media experts. At just 22 years of age, Luongo is at the stage in his development where he needs to play regular games, and going to Loftus Road affords him that opportunity. Combine that with the step up in competition and this presents a good chance for Luongo to continue his ascension up the Socceroos midfield ranks.
Mitch Langerak (Borussia Dortmund – VFB Stuttgart)
Socceroos stats: Six games
One of the highly touted next generation of Australian goalkeepers given the unenviable task of succeeding Mark Schwarzer, Langerak moved to Dortmund where he has amassed a great track record of success. Unfortunately for him, much of that success has come from the bench, where he has been a back up for club legend Roman Weidenfeller. He will be pushing Mat Ryan for the Socceroos spot for years to come and to do that, he needs regular game time. So while his move to Stuttgart may be a step down in terms of club prestige, it is only a small one and a necessary sacrifice to ensure regular experience. There is no doubt Langerak is talented, but to beat out Ryan for the starting job he needs to show what he can do on a consistent basis.
[interaction id=”55a28dc29831cbaa216b1bf9″]
Jason Davidson (West Bromwich Albion – Huddersfield Town)
Socceroos stats: 18 games, one goal
One of the mainstays during the Brazil campaign, Davidson had high hopes of cementing a starting spot in the West Brom team. However, he barely saw the field last season and as such has moved down the tiers to Huddersfield Town. With competition coming primarily from Aziz Beich, Davidson needs to get back on the field and show Postecoglu why he should be the regular starter.
Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory – Baniyas SC)
Socceroos Stats: 40 Games, three goals
After being touted as a potential signing for Crystal Palace last season, Milligan finally moved on from Melbourne Victory and took the chance to set his family up for life with a move to the lucrative Middle East. Even though he turns 30 in the next month, Milligan still figures as a major part of Postecoglu’s plans for the upcoming qualifiers. While the league he has moved to may not be the best challenge for his skills, he will still be able to help the side for the time being by providing a voice of experience in the dressing room, in a region the Socceroos will have to travel to along to road to 2018 qualification.
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.
