Asian Cup 2015: It’s time Ange Postecoglou unleashes Mark Bresciano, David Davutovic says

HE has played just 45 Asian Cup minutes, but now it’s time to unleash Mark Bresciano against China. Re-live Studs Up & pick your Socceroos XI.

David Davutovic

HE’S yet to start and has played just 45 Asian Cup minutes, now it’s time to unleash Mark Bresciano.

Tim Cahill and Bresciano are the only veterans who’ve survived Ange Postecoglou’s radical regeneration, started 15 months ago and there’s a good reason.

He may be joining Cahill in the 35 club in three weeks, but both are still in the Socceroos’ best XI.

Bresciano’s six-minute cameo against Kuwait in his home city was merely symbolic, but his 39 minutes against Oman were telling.

SOCCEROOS SELECTOR: pick your XI and share it with your mates on social media

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the weekly STUDS UP discussion with Herald Sun football writer David Davutovic.

MIDFIELD DEBATE:

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McKay doesn’t know if he will remain in Socceroos XI

The game was already over at 3-0, but his quality was on show from open play and dead ball situations.

He delivered two pinpoint corners that landed on the heads of Tomi Juric and Mark Milligan, and remains Australia’s most deadly set-piece taker.

GOAL CENTRE: Watch every Asian Cup goal & vote for your favourite.

LUONGO READY TO BE ROOS’ X-FACTOR

While Massimo Luongo has emerged as a future star, Matt McKay has been Mr Consistency and James Troisi scored against Kuwait, anyone of those players will walk taller playing alongside the classy veteran.

Luongo, who has started all three games, has made way for Brescano in both of his substitute appearances.

Mark Bresciano offers the Socceroos composure and class on the ball.

It begs the question, does Postecoglou believe only one or the other can play?

“I never thought of that actually. I don’t think anyone thinks of that,’’ Luongo said.

“I would relish the chance to play with Bresh. But it’s hard to know what the boss thinks, with how it works with the formation.

“Before the tournament started training was intense and he’s always got a cool head, his quality’s always there regardless of what stage of his career he’s in.

“If I don’t play next game and I offer my spot up for Bresh, there’s no hard feelings.’’

I don’t see why the pair can’t play, with Luongo’s engine _ he’s a classic box-to-box player _ underrated.

Troisi offers more of a penetrating, scoring threat, but Postecoglou may believe that he has enough goals in his attacking trip of Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie.

Not to mention Mile Jedinak and Trent Sainsbury from set pieces with Bresciano in the side.

As stiff as Mark Milligan is, he looms as the player who will make way for captain Jedinak, though Postecoglou would be foolish not to consider reuniting the duo as holding midfielders for tougher assignments against Japan and/or Iran.

Postecoglou has done well regenerating his side and has taken gutsy gambles at the Asian Cup, but now his absolute focus must be the present and he must pick his best XI, which includes Bresciano.

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: It’s time Ange Postecoglou unleashes Mark Bresciano, David Davutovic says