2019 Asian Cup: Chris Ikonomidis looming as key ingredient to Socceroos hopes of title defence
Perth Glory star Chris Ikonomidis shapes as the X-factor who can inspire the Socceroos to a successful defence of their Asian Cup crown with his happy knack for late-game heroics.
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Chris Ikonomidis shapes as the X-factor who can inspire the Socceroos to a successful defence of their Asian Cup crown with his happy knack for last-gasp heroics.
The Socceroos lifted the trophy on home soil four years ago and while some faces remain from that memorable campaign, much now rests on those looking to etch their own names in Australian football folklore.
Daniel Arzani’s absence through injury has denied Arnold one exciting attacking weapon, but in Glory’s Ikonomidis, he may yet have another match-winner at his disposal.
The 23-year-old former Lazio player has been a key attacking weapon for the WA side and has proved the match-winner on several occasions already this season.
And it is his ability to find the net - decisively - in the dying stages that should worry opposition defences.
Ikonomidis has scored six goals for Glory in the A-League, with the bulk coming right at the death of matches.
They include a 95th minute winner in a 3-2 triumph against Central Coast Mariners and a 93rd minute winner in a 3-2 success against Melbourne Victory. He was also a 90th minute scorer in clashes with Adelaide (2-0) and Sydney FC (1-2).
Arnold told the Roos official website: “Chris will add pace and energy to our attack, which is the consistent feature of the players we have picked in the Socceroos attack for this tournament.”
The player himself added: “I’d love to get on the pitch and show Australia and Asia what I can do and to bring something new to the team, something dynamic.”
And one man backing Ikonomidis to provide that special ingredient - also noting his late show antics - is Sydney FC skipper Alex Brosque.
Brosque’s Sydney FC side got the better of Ikonomidis in a 2-1 win late last month - the Glory man grabbing a late consolation in that clash – but the display left a lasting impression.
“No doubt it’s going to be difficult but I think Arnie (Graham Arnold) will have us (Australia) ready to go,” Brosque told News Corp Australia.
“Arnie is one of the best motivators in the game. He’ll have these boys ready and up for it. We are the holders and Arnie won’t want to let it go. There’s enough quality there. He’s picked a very good squad with good depth.”
Much, perhaps too much, of the goalscoring burden fell on the shoulders of recently retired Roo Cahill.
There’s no ‘Timmy mark two’ but in Ikonomidis, Australia have a player capable of inflicting mortal wounds, according to Brosque.
“I think Ikonomidis could be the decisive one,” he said.
“He’s come with very important (A-League) goals at crucial moments. That’s something in the front line we’ve been lacking a bit of that as a national team. Ikonomidis is someone who can give you that. He can get you something out of nowhere.
“Tim Cahill has obviously left some incredibly large shoes to fill but I don’t think anyone should be frightened to do that. There’s a squad but I think Ikonomidis is someone who could prove that difference.”
Originally published as 2019 Asian Cup: Chris Ikonomidis looming as key ingredient to Socceroos hopes of title defence
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