Aaron Mooy’s dominance of the Hyundai A-League meant he was always going to adapt to life in the English Championship, according to Caltex Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou.
Mooy has been a revelation since joining Huddersfield [on loan from Manchester City] this season, catching the eye in their unbeaten start to the season.
“I’m happy he’s started the season well but I’m not surprised,” said Postecoglou on Wednesday at the announcement of his squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE.
“I thought he was the best player in the A-League last year and I’m not surprised he’s doing well over there. He’s adapted well and the way they play at Huddersfield seems to suit him.
“If he keeps playing the way he is at the moment he’ll play at a higher level.”
Postecoglou believes some people seem to underestimate the quality of the Hyundai A-League, with Mooy’s impact in the Championship a sign of just how strong the league is.
“The A-League competition is a good competition. No-one watches as much football as I do and it can be hard watching some of these overseas leagues, the football is not that great,” he said.
“The A-League as a competition stands up pretty well so if a player is doing well in the A-League there’s a good chance they’ll do well overseas.
“The fact is overseas clubs haven’t woken up to that yet…the smart ones will.”
Mooy isn’t the only Caltex Socceroos playmaker catching the eye in Europe, with Tom Rogic also off to a flyer at Scottish champions Celtic.
Rogic has just inked a new contract with the Hoops and Postecoglou expects his football to flourish with his future sorted and working under new boss Brendan Rodgers.
“You worry when their futures are uncertain. Knowing how football works some time I didn’t want Tommy to waste a year because he’s worked so hard to get to this point…and he’s flying right now,” the Socceroo boss said.
“I watched him every game he’s played this year and whether he’s coming off the bench or starting like he did last week and scoring a couple of goals, he’s been super.
“The way Brendan [Rodgers] plays will suit him and it doesn’t surprise me he rates him highly. Celtic are a strong club and have multiple tournaments to play in so he’ll get plenty of game time and it will be up to him to make an impact.”
