In-form Socceroo Aaron Mooy says the freedom he is enjoying at Melbourne City is the catalyst for his stunning patch of form for both club and country.
The 25-year-old has started the Hyundai A-League season in scintillating touch, notching two goals and three assists in the opening five rounds.
And the midfielder transferred his domestic form to the international stage on Thursday night, producing a sizzling display in the Socceroos’ impressive 3-0 win over Kyrgyzstan.
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Mooy moved to City from Western Sydney Wanderers at the end of the 2013/14 season and he believes the switch has helped supercharge his burgeoning career.
“Definitely. When I was at the Wanderers I was playing more defensive midfield, not allowed to get forward as much,” Mooy told reporters after Australia’s win over Kyrgyzstan.
“Since I’ve moved to Melbourne City, I’ve been able to get forward more, and that’s what I like to do.”
Mooy impressed in an advanced role against Kyrgyzstan, highlighted by an incisive through ball to set up Tim Cahill for Australia’s second goal.
But a typically humble Mooy deflected praise post-game, insisting that he was simply executing the role assigned to him by Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou.
“I’m a midfielder, that’s my job to provide chances. Then one of the strikers puts it away, it’s good,” Mooy said.
“It means the same thing to me (as scoring). As a midfielder, when I create a goal it’s the same as scoring.”
The Sydney-born playmaker said he is relishing the step-up to international football and insists he will look to continue to play his natural game in a Socceroo shirt.
“I’m not afraid. Football is football, it’s the same game. Just because it means more to play for the national team to me, but it’s a game with a ball with two goals,” he said.
“I do get nervous because I want to play well, and I want to win.”
