On this week’s episode of the Official Isuzu UTE A-League Podcast, host Daniel Garb was joined by KEEPUP’s James Dodd and Nick D’Urbano to discuss all the biggest talking points from Round 24. Listen below.
Is there a young Australian footballer in the Isuzu UTE A-League with a higher ceiling than Jordan Bos?
The Melbourne City full-back and recently-capped Socceroo added the latest dazzling moment to his showreel in Gosford on Saturday night, whipping a lethal shot past Danny Vukovic to bag his side’s only goal in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners.
It was a near-replica of Bos’ Round-16 stunner against Perth Glory, cutting off the left wing and striking with precision off his right foot.
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Joining host Daniel Garb on this week’s episode of The Official Isuzu UTE A-League Podcast were KEEPUP’s Nick D’Urbano and James Dodd; whilst recapping the weekend that City clinched the A-League Men Premier’s Plate for a record third consecutive time, the podcast crew were awash with praise for the club’s flying defender.
“It’s great discussing all the young talent in Australia right now with Nestory Irankunda, Garang Kuol and so many others,” said Garb.
“I think (Jordy Bos) will be the best of the lot.
“We’re enjoying the comparisons (between young players) because there are so many, and we’re not trying to play one off against another. (But) with his his stature, his physique and his mentality, he’ll be able to go to a level maybe none of the others are able to reach, of this group… I think he’s a phenomenal talent.”
“Seeing him rise over the last 12 months has been incredible,” replied D’Urbano. “I remember seeing him last season when he first started, he looked every part a young kid playing. He had raw talent, but was quite small, a boy amongst men in some of those games, but his talent was there.
“In the off-season, just seeing his physical development, it’s like he’s grown in height, grown in size, and seeing him every week, how much better he’s gotten, how much more confidence he’s gotten, the confidence he plays with, it’s unbelievable.
“On both sides of the ball, there aren’t many better full-backs – if any at all – in this competition.
“In terms of his future, I couldn’t agree more. The sky is the limit for him. He could be an amazing player if he continues on his trajectory.”
Bos will contend for the A-League Men Young Footballer of the Year award in 2022-23, earning the February nomination. He’s made 23 starts this season, building on the 13 appearances (six starts) made in the 20-year-old’s maiden campaign in 2021-22.
Capped by Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold against Ecuador in March, Bos is relishing the upward trajectory of his blooming career – and with recent reports linking him with a move to Premier League juggernaut Manchester City – Melbourne City’s parent club as part of the City Football Group (CFG) – his days in the A-League Men appear to be numbered.
“I think it’s a matter of time before we see him potentially making that move overseas,” D’Urbano continued. “He’s a staple in this Socceroos team now after debuting… he’s got all the hallmarks of some of the best full-backs in the world. You see the attacking side, but what he can do with his work rate, the defensive capabilities, everything, it’s just unbelievable.
“You can’t help but get excited about this guy’s future – and that goal on the weekend summed up the full (array) of talent that he has.”
Should Bos’ rumoured links to Manchester materialise, the 20-year-old would become the second young Australian to sign for a Premier League outfit this season after Garang Kuol’s January move to Newcastle United.
But like Kuol, who is on loan to Scottish club Heart of Midlothian, Bos’ immediate future would likely feature a temporary move away from City to continue his development with regular game time.
Dodd and Garb believe the marauding defender will relish the opportunity to continue his development abroad, regardless of which countries and leagues he traverses throughout the coming years.
“A key sign of that, I thought, was Rado Vidosic moving him onto the right flank late in the game against (the Mariners), saying ‘ok, cut in on your left and win the game for us’ – and he almost did!” Garb said.
“He drew a massive save out of Danny Vukovic late… I think he’s Australia’s Gareth Bale because of that reason. He can play further up the field, he can move onto the right, he can cut in on his left… he’s got to play as a wing-back I think to get the best out of him, I can see him becoming a winger.
“Because of his physique… quite often we look at Aussie players and think they might be too small for England, or they might not have the technical ability (to play in) Spain or Italy.
“I think he can play anywhere. There is no league that his body and his game doesn’t suit. That is the brilliance of him – and he’s one to get very excited about.”
Dodd added: “I know Melbourne City have fantastic training facilities – but when he does move, and I think that’s going to be at the end of the season – wherever he goes, he will take a big step up in training regimes, routines, physical development and strength and conditioning that comes with being at big European clubs.
“He’s going to go to the next level based on that.”
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