Asian Cup 2015: Massimo Luongo wants to be Socceroos’ x-factor against China in quarterfinal
THE Socceroos’ emerging Asian Cup star Massimo Luongo believes he can be the team’s x-factor in the knockout phase, starting against China on Thursday.
THE Socceroos’ emerging Asian Cup star Massimo Luongo believes he can be the Socceroos’ x-factor in the knockout phase.
Luongo, 22, has been one of Australia’s shining lights, but he’s declared that he wants to be more consistent at the business end of the tournament.
With captain Mile Jedinak set to return and veteran Mark Bresciano and in-form Dutch-based Tommy Oar stiff not to get a run, competition in midfield is red-hot ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final against China.
Luongo may have just eight internationals under his belt, but he wants to have a greater impact.
“I need to take more responsibility and maybe do a bigger and better job than I have been,’’ Luongo said.
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“Maybe not waiting for the ball to come to me or waiting for something to happen.
“Try and do things on my own, make something happen when the game’s not going our way or we’re under the cosh.
“Something in my game that sparks the whole team up a bit. I do that at Swindon and hopefully I can bring that to the Socceroos.
“Maybe in the whole 90 minutes. I feel everything you’ve seen has been in bits and bobs.
“It’s been effective but maybe I can offer a bit more over the whole game.
“I was surprised to be in the first 11 of the first game, but now if I wasn’t to play the next game I’d be really disappointed.’’
Despite starting all three Asian Cup games, Luongo revealed that he felt great 48 hours after the gruelling contest with South Korea.
He revealed that he was far more confident walking onto the pitch than he was 10 days ago, when he was a shock selection for game one against Kuwait.
“I feel great, fine. I’m quite surprised with the way I’ve turned around,’’ he said.
“I feel like I’ve come a long way from the first game.
“I’ve brought out a few things in my game, I’ve come out of my shell a lot more.
“Every game I feel I’m getting more comfortable and stronger.
“I’m more confident with the team, the other players have accepted my role and they know what I’m about.’’
Coach Ange Postecoglou will make at least four changes, with the original front three of Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie set to be recalled, with suspended Matthew Spiranovic to make way for Alex Wilkinson.
Luongo conceded it took time to adjust to the new attacking third of Tomi Jruic, James Troisi and Nathan Burns.
“It does take time, anywhere. They all offer different things,’’ Luongo said.
“I know Lecks and Krusey maybe offer a bit more width and focus on their one v one battles more.
“The last game we had Troisi and Burns, and Jimmy will naturally be more attracted to the ball and come into the natural 10 position.
“It takes a bit of adjusting. But the best thing is we work off each other.’’
Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Massimo Luongo wants to be Socceroos’ x-factor against China in quarterfinal