One underrated area of depth in the Socceroos squad is the central-midfield position, in particular the defensive aspected which is anchored by captain Mile Jedinak. There is plenty of solid attacking potential in the middle, however, with Ange Postecoglu, it all starts from the back.
Jedinak is a useful defensive presence, yet his ball skills may let him down on occasion. Therefore, Postecoglu needs to make sure he picks a player that is capable of receiving the ball from the back and is able to get involved in the entire attacking move from start to finish (or until it is time to cross to Tim Cahill). When playing the big teams such as Germany, Spain and Argentina, there is a case to be made for prioritising defensive skill over attacking prowess, but in Postecoglou’s time in charge so far we have learned that is favoured approach for these games is to go full steam ahead.
Outside90’s Jame’s Caughlin takes a look at the Socceroos’ best holding-midfield options to line-up alongside Jedinak.
Mark Milligan
Milligan appears to be one of the first choices to partner the captain in the middle of the park, with his ability to function as a screen in front of the defence or operate as a playmaker and get involved going forward. His move to the Middle East may also make him a specialist option for the team, as he becomes more familiar with the footballers of the region, some who will make up the World Cup qualifying opposition for the Socceroos.
Matt McKay
Not the most skilled player, but a smart veteran presence that never stops running. McKay became a regular fixture in the national team under Holger Oseick as a defender, then defensive-midfielder. He is at his standard when playing against other Asian sides during qualifiers and friendlies, but does get out of his depth when facing the best competition. It would be remiss to exclude McKay from the squad entirely, however, he is probably a backup that is utilised when the squad is being experimented with.
Luke Brattan
The successor to Erik Paartaluu in the Brisbane Roar team, Brattan was once called by Postecoglu, “the best passer in the squad” during his time as coach. His progression with the Roar and reported interest from lower leagues in England point to the quality the youngster possesses. Unfortunately for him, limiting injuries and stiff competition for his position appear to be major stumbling blocks that prevent him from becoming a regular member of the team. These upcoming qualifiers that are not the biggest test for the Socceroos may be a good opportunity for Brattan to come in and make his case to stay in the greeen and gold.
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James Holland
Last sighted in the preliminary squad for the Asian Cup at the start of the year, Holland has moved to Germany in hopes of getting game time and staking a claim for the national team. Touted as a pivotal midfielder, he could very easily play next to Jedinak and direct play in the vain of an Andrea Pirlo (obviously on a slightly lesser skill level), and puts himself in a goal scoring position when needed. Holland and Brattan could find themselves paired together during this stage of qualifiers if Jedinak is rested at any point in time.
Carl Valeri
A player with a negative stigma attached to his name thanks to the Pim Verbeek disaster of 2010, Valeri was played as part of the ‘double holding’ system which essentially invited some of the best footballers in the world to run around himself and then Socceroos teammate Vince Grella. You would think that after five years fans would have forgotten, however, Valeri for the time being is unlikely to be adding to his 52 national caps.
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