Manchester United have arrived in Sydney boasting some of world football’s most recognisable players, but the Foxtel A-League All Stars aren’t short on quality of their own.
Manchester United have arrived in Sydney boasting some of world football’s most recognisable players, but the Foxtel A-League All Stars aren’t short on quality of their own.
While Ange Postecoglou’s 20-man squad doesn’t feature any UEFA Champions League or English Premier League winners, it does include a selection of some of the finest players to have graced Australia’s domestic football stage.
In Michael Beauchamp, Besart Berisha, Thomas Broich, Ante Covic, Brett Emerton, Paul Ifill, Michael McGlinchey and Liam Miller, the All Stars have a contingent that has played at the highest levels of European football and – in the case of Emerton and McGlinchey – at the FIFA World Cup.
“They’ve all (the All Stars) been very impressive, there’s a couple of midfielders in there that I’ve been very impressed with,” said defender Rhyan Grant, one of three Sydney FC representatives in camp.
“Obviously we play against them but you don’t get to see them on a day to day basis.
“All the players have done really well and made me sort of step up and think, don’t embarrass yourself!
“It’s been good so far.”
The quality of Manchester United has been a discussion point inside the All Stars camp, however.
The reigning English Premier League champions arrived in Australia on the back of a surprise 1-0 defeat to the Singha All Star XI in Bangkok, where they have been boosted by the likes of Robin van Persie, who missed United’s pre-season opener.
Goalkeeper David de Gea is another new face in Sydney and the prospect of lining up against some of the mega-weights of world football is an enticing one for all that will wear blue and yellow on Saturday.
“It’s definitely a big opportunity for us,” said defender Josh Risdon, who was selected in the All Stars squad on the back of a breakthrough campaign with Perth Glory.
“I guess the nerves will sort of creep in a couple of days before but you’ve just got to take the opportunity and enjoy it.
“I’ll probably be pinching myself a couple of times when I’m next to van Persie or any of the other players.
“It’s a good opportunity for me and us young players.”
The Foxtel A-League All Stars will debut against Manchester United at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, on 20 July with the match to be broadcast live and exclusive on the Seven Network nationally.
