There are no arguments that Australia’s domestic football competition is in the best state it has ever been with the 2012-13 season Hyundai A-League bringing more supporters, members, eye-balls and marquee players to the sport than ever before.
There are no arguments that Australia-s domestic football competition is in the best state it has ever been with the 2012-13 Hyundai A-League season bringing more supporters, members, eye-balls and marquee players to the sport than ever before.
This growth in local talent has not gone unnoticed by one of the most important individuals in Australian football, Socceroos coach Holger Osieck.
Osieck-s belief in A-League players is no doubt growing after taking 19 of the competition-s finest with him to the EAFF East Asian Cup in South Korea.
One of those to catch the eye of the national coach was Western Sydney Wanderers attacking midfielder Aaron Mooy.
The 22-year-old returned from overseas after playing in England and Scotland searching for regular football and as a result received a call-up to the Socceroos squad for the tournament that featured hosts South Korea along with Japan and China.
“Playing with the Socceroos was a great experience,” said Mooy.
“The side had a lot good players in it so I was always learning while I was there and it was great to get a game as well.”
That game saw one of the finest goals by a Socceroo in recent years with Mooy drilling a screamer from well outside the box passed the Chinese goalkeeper.
“I just had a bit of space as I was approaching the goal and hit it sweetly.
“Holger said in training that if we had space and we were confident then take the shot.
“It is obviously great to score a goal at any level but to do it for the Socceroos was an amazing feeling.”
While Australia did not get the results they were after, the tournament produced some high quality football and entertaining matches.
“The quality was really good and an eye opener for the young players like myself.
“We now know the standard we have to be at to play at that level.”
The tournament helped showcase the next generation of talent coming through the ranks and it is likely that a couple of those playing might find themselves in the Socceroos squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“Every player is trying to make the side for Brazil.
“I-ve had a taste now so I-m going to go back and do my best for the Wanderers and hopefully I get another chance.
“If that opportunity does come up I will see where it takes me then but I am not getting too far ahead of myself.”
Mooy made 23 appearances in both he and the Wanderers debut A-League season as his side went on to take out the Premier-s Plate in what was a remarkable rise to the top.
“The team and I both want to pick up where we left off last season.
“This year we want both the league title and to win the grand final.
“We are always looking to improve and know we have to as it is only going to be tougher this year.”
The attacking midfielder puts a lot of his success down to 2012-2013 A-League coach of the year Tony Popovic.
“He was obviously very experienced as a player playing overseas and for the Socceroos a number of times so he has a lot of knowledge for the game.
“He is strict which is good for the players, keeping us on our toes.
“I am continuing to learn at the club so I am very happy here.”
The Western Sydney Wanderers take on Macarthur Rams at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Wednesday August 7 with kick-off at 7:30pm.
