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Australia’s future looks bright

By John Hazzard

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Aaron Mooy of Australia takes on Danny Drinkwater of England during the International Friendly match between England and Australia at Stadium of Light on May 27, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Aaron Mooy of Australia takes on Danny Drinkwater of England during the International Friendly match between England and Australia at Stadium of Light on May 27, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Although the Australian international team lost their most recent match against England 2-1, the Socceroos’ future looks to be in good hands.

During their previous match at Wembley, Australia looked to be the better side throughout the game. However, goals from 18-year-old Marcus Rashford and second-half sub Wayne Rooney saw the Three Lions triumph over the visiting side.

Even though the main story from the match was that Rashford scored on his England debut, many forget how impressive Australia’s outing actually was.

Australia’s performance impressed pundits across the globe. With England currently ranking 10th in FIFA’s world rankings, it was enjoyable to watch 50th ranked Australia give the Three Lions a run for their money. The two sides drew even in possession, ending with the Socceroos tallying more shots in total.

So why did Australia do so well?

As of late, there seems to be a resurgence of Australian soccer throughout the world. Stories of Socceroos going abroad and making it big has been common as of late.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 24: (L-R) Bailey Wright, Trent Sainsbury, Mathew Ryan and Mile Jedinak of Australia sing the Australian national anthem during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification match between the Australia Socceroos and Tajikistan at the Adelaide Oval on March 24, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 24: (L-R) Bailey Wright, Trent Sainsbury, Mathew Ryan and Mile Jedinak of Australia sing the Australian national anthem during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification match between the Australia Socceroos and Tajikistan at the Adelaide Oval on March 24, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) /

For example, current Valencia goalkeeper Matthew Ryan has displayed moments of brilliance for his Liga BBVA side. The 23-year-old keeper began his career with lower leagued Australian side Blacktown City, eventually joining A-League club Central Coast Mariners. Following his impressive career with the side, Belgian giants Club Brugge decided to take a chance on the young Australian. Ryan went on to play 77 matches for  Brugge until rumors spread that he’d been scouted by Europe’s’ best clubs. On July 21, 2015, Valencia signed the 23-year-old on a six-year deal.

Although Ryan hasn’t received a ton of game time at Valencia, the Australian goalkeeper continues to develop as Diego Alves’ backup. In addition, with a poor run and the firing of their coaches, it might have been better for Ryan to have sat on the bench this season.

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Even though Ryan’s club career has declined since joining Valencia, the young 23-year-old has many more years to boost his credibility. His young age and huge experience in Europe helps give Australia the comfort that they have themselves a dominant goalkeeper for the coming years.

In addition, central midfielder Tom Rogic has been playing exceptionally well for Scottish giants Celtic FC. Upon arriving at Celtic in 2013, Rogic found himself slowly climbing the Australian football league ladder, eventually joining Central Coast Mariners. After an impressive season with the A-League side, Celtic decided to swoop in and sign the 23-year-old. After spending the last couple of seasons with Celtic, Rogic has bloomed in Scotland, prompting transfer rumors all season long. With the Griffith native rumored to be heading to Arsenal this summer, Australia can get excited to have themselves a long-term solution in the midfield.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 27: Tom Rogic of Australia and Nathaniel Clyne of England battle for a loose ball during the International Friendly match between England and Australia at Stadium of Light on May 27, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 27: Tom Rogic of Australia and Nathaniel Clyne of England battle for a loose ball during the International Friendly match between England and Australia at Stadium of Light on May 27, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Last, 25-year-old Bundesliga winger Matthew Leckie has burst onto the scene. The Australian currently plays for FC Ingolstadt 04, who gained promotion into Germany’s top flight last season. While in Bundesliga 2., Leckie helped the German side gain promotion with his blistering pace and strength. Furthermore, once being promoted, the 25-year-old remained a huge key player in Ingolstadt’s 11th place finish in the Bundesliga.

Leckie began his career with Adelaide eventually prompting a move to Borussia Monchengladbach. After not being able to find consistent playing time, the Australian was eventually transferred to FSV Frankfurt, where he played a total of 31 matches, scoring an impressive 10 goals. After his great year with Frankfurt, the 25-year-old was signed by Ingolstadt.

With Leckie’s tremendous career in Germany, Australia is more than willing to start the winger game in and game out. With the likes of Robbie Kruse on the opposite wing, Australia can create a deadly attack.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 27: Robbie Kruse of Australia takes on Chris Smalling of England during the International Friendly match between England and Australia at Stadium of Light on May 27, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 27: Robbie Kruse of Australia takes on Chris Smalling of England during the International Friendly match between England and Australia at Stadium of Light on May 27, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

There is many more young Australians impressing abroad right now. The likes of Brad Smith at Liverpool is making a name for himself. Milos Degenek with 1860 in Munich enjoyed a successful season. Chris Ikonomidis with Salernitana is impressing pundits throughout the world.

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With the World Cup coming right around the corner, it is safe to say that Australia will be more than ready to compete in the competition.

By the time the World Cup comes around, Australian legends Tim Cahill and Miles Jedinak may not play huge roles in the side. Even though the two captains have led the Socceroos in the past couple of years, their age may prohibit them from making huge impacts.

Although their time may be coming to an end, Australia is more than prepared to replace them. Even though that sounds bad, it’s how the sport works. If Australia can replace their older legends with triumphant younger stars, the team’s future looks brighter than ever.

Australia is on the right path in the soccer world and with their younger players succeeding abroad and domestically, their FIFA ranking will surely improve better than 50.

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