Melbourne Victory attacker Archie Thompson hopes the ‘mind-boggling’ talent coming through in the Hyundai A-League can step up and perform strongly for the Qantas Socceroos.
Melbourne Victory attacker Archie Thompson hopes the ‘mind-boggling’ talent coming through in the Hyundai A-League can step up and perform strongly for the Qantas Socceroos.
Thompson, 34, has starred for Australia in his past three internationals with three goals, including the winner in the AFC World Cup qualifier against Iraq.
A squad made up of mostly domestic players is expected to travel to Hong Kong at the start of December to compete for a place in the final stage of the East Asian Cup next year.
Thompson said he had been impressed with the talent coming through in the Hyundai A-League and hopes national team coach Holger Osieck gives them a chance to shine.
The likes of Tom Rogic and Mathew Ryan (both Central Coast Mariners), Aziz Behich (Melbourne Heart), Craig Goodwin (Newcastle Jets) and Aaron Mooy (Western Sydney Wanderers) could be given opportunities.
“I hope (the domestic talent is good enough). The only way you’re going to know is if you give the players opportunities,” Thompson said.
“I think Holger is good with that because he gives players opportunities.
“Whether the boys in the A-League are up for it only time will tell. The talent that’s coming through … it’s mind boggling.”
Thompson has been with the Victory since the inception of the Hyundai A-League and is second only to Perth Glory striker Shane Smeltz for goals scored in the competition.
He said the league had come a long way, particularly tactically, since starting in 2005/06.
“It was fresh. Everything was new – teams were new, clubs were new, players were new. It was all a learning curve,” Thompson said.
“Now that the teams and players have settled and the coaches are in and everything’s structured – you don’t have to be a football fanatic to know how much the game’s improved.
“Probably the first two years, it probably wasn’t as structured tactically on the pitch as what it is now.”
Thompson had gone 13 Hyundai A-League games without scoring before his header against the Newcastle Jets, who overcame the Victory 2-1 at Hunter Stadium.
While he hopes the goal is the first of many in the league this season, Thompson said he was unfazed by long runs without getting on the scoresheet if he was still playing a role for Ange Postecoglou’s team.
“(If I wasn’t) setting up goals, working hard and still getting myself into positions to score goals then it’ll be a worry,” Thompson said.
“But I think I’m finding opportunities and sometimes it happens that you score one of the hardest ones so hopefully this will help.”
