Graham Arnold reveals his travelling party for the World Cup to take on France, Tunisia and Denmark today. Former Socceroos defender Robbie Cornthwaite plays selector for KEEPUP.
There is a lot to take into consideration when selecting a 26-man squad to represent the Socceroos at the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With a lot of the squad not playing regularly or under an injury cloud there has to be a few risks taken when balancing the overall composition of the squad.
These are the 26 players I would take to Qatar.
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Goalkeepers
Mat Ryan
His lack of football in the lead up to the tournament is an area of concern, but he has been one of the Socceroos’ most consistent performers throughout qualifying. The skipper starts against France.
Mitch Langerak
If Matty shows any signs of rustiness, then Mitch is waiting in the wings. Australia has been blessed with keepers over the years and this squad is no different. This season, he was named Nagoya’s best player.
Andrew Redmayne
It is almost impossible to leave the cult figure out after his heroics against Peru, but he is unlikely to see any game time.
Defenders
Trent Sainsbury
Many people want Harry Souttar to start alongside Kye Rowles, but I don’t think you can take both players, who have missed a lot of football recently. Sainsbury is the most experienced centre back in the side and will start. He hasn’t played since September 14th and has been training with Melbourne City for the last few weeks.
Milos Degenek
Milos has been a regular, and a great contributor, but unless there’s injuries, I think he’s only there as a back up. He has played plenty of minutes this season in the MLS but the fact his season wrapped up on October 9 could work against him.
Harry Souttar
It’s a risk, but one we have to take. He managed to get some minutes under his belt in recent weeks in PL2, but after a huge layoff with the ACL, you don’t know how confident he is.
Thomas Deng
Much of Australia’s back four has been under an injury cloud and although Deng has only returned in the last few months, he offers cover in more than one position. He is the only defender capable of playing in the middle or out wide; so he’s great back up. That said, he and Souttar formed a solid partnership at the Olympics and could line up alongside one another.
Aziz Behich
His move to Scotland didn’t get off to the perfect start, but he has been an ever present at left back for the national team. Others who have provided competition haven’t been able to establish themselves enough to put him under real pressure. A few goals of late at club level would have given him a boost.
Jason Davidson
It’s a tough choice, but I just don’t feel that Joel King has played enough of late. A lot of players are under injury clouds, underdone or returning from injury. Davidson has made the most appearances of any player at his club KAS Eupen this season, and I’d pick him on consistency. He and Behich played more minutes than most defenders in Europe.
Fran Karacic
He only returned this weekend from injury and like Nathaniel Atkinson comes in with limited preparation – that’s why the inclusion of Deng is so vital. I haven’t seen him play a lot but he’s been a regular under Arnold.
Nathaniel Atkinson
He is the most dynamic right-back we have and probably the most athletic fullback in the squad. He is another one to be concerned about in terms of preparation, because he has missed the last three games with an ankle injury; but, if fit, he would be my starting right-back.
Midfielders
Aaron Mooy
Aaron picks himself. He is playing regularly with Scottish champions Celtic under Ange Postecoglou and he’s one of the few players in the team who can dictate the pace of a game. He will be vital in slowing things down at times and retaining the ball when the Socceroos need a breather.
Jackson Irvine
His move to Germany with St. Pauli has been a master stroke. Playing at a club where he can truly be himself can only help his football reach new heights. He is a key member of the midfield and his place in the squad is under no threat.
Connor Metcalfe
His assist for Mitch Duke in the final friendly highlighted the quality he possesses. As a regular off the bench this season for St. Pauli, he makes the cut.
Riley McGree
He has been in and out of the Middlesbrough line-up so far this season but has played more minutes than anyone else in the same position. He hasn’t always started but has made 17 appearances in the Championship this year and shown enough to earn his place in Qatar. A goal-scoring midfielder is worth their weight in gold.
Ajdin Hrustic
He was arguably Australia’s best player throughout qualifying and loves the big stage. He comes in under an injury cloud, but with 26 spots available, he’s a lock.
Cam Devlin
It has been a rapid rise for the combative midfielder, who was a consistent performer in the A-Leagues and has impressed and improved massively in his time in Scotland. He brings something different to the midfield. Has missed games but is expected to be fine.
Cristian Volpato
If he wants to play for Australia, then you have to pick him. Regardless of what he’s said and done in the past, we have to field the strongest team possible. Not many are plying their trade at that level. Not a lot of senior minutes but he’ll make an impact if give an opportunity.
*Tom Rogic
If Volpato opts to play for Italy, then Tom takes his place. He was MIA during the knockout games and hasn’t played a lot of football. At his best, he’s a valuable member of the squad.
Forwards
Jamie Maclaren
With five goals in four games to start the A-Leagues season I find it strange that some people would leave him out. With 74 goals in 89 appearances for Melbourne City, there’s no way he’s not in the squad.
Mitch Duke
Has done extremely well whenever he’s donned the green and gold. It’s not always easy on the eye, but he brings a combativeness no other striker in the team can offer. Powerful in the air and, off the back of a strong season in Japan’s second division, can see him playing a part in Qatar.
Adam Taggart
Five goals in 20 appearances for Cerezo Osaka this campaign, a decent year after missing a lot of football last season. A favourite of Graham Arnold. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the man in charge of leading the charge.
Mathew Leckie
One of the most experienced players in the side, Leckie also offers a bit of versatility. He has spent most of his career out wide but can also play as a striker. Maybe not as quick as he once was, he still has a role to play without a doubt.
Craig Goodwin
There have been doubts over his fitness throughout the A-League pre-season but he’s well and truly put that to bed in the past two matches. The quality he can bring to set pieces will be very important.
Martin Boyle
One of the most exciting and dynamic players for Australia. The speed he brings to the attack can’t be replaced and after leaving the ground early on the weekend in the SPL we all have our fingers crossed it’s nothing to serious.
Garang Kuol
The super sub! Fearless and direct, Kuol has to be in the team. I was doubtful he would make it, but after changing the game for the Mariners on Saturday and his run on his Socceroos debut, I think his place is secured. Will bring and energy and freshness to the team that’s otherwise lacking.
Awer Mabil
Has barely kicked a ball since moving to Spain, but his balance to the side is crucial. His performance against NZ in the first friendly was encouraging but match fitness is a concern, might struggle to get a place in the starting 11.
Starting 11 v France
Ryan; Atkinson, Sainsbury, Souttar, Behich; Mooy, Irvine, Hrustic; Boyle, Duke, Goodwin.
