Robbie Slater: Missing piece in Socceroos set-up that could hurt Asian Cup hopes
The Socceroos struggled to unlock a stubborn Indian defence. It could be an issue that haunts Graham Arnold’s men throughout the Asian Cup, writes ROBBIE SLATER.
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The lack of a genuine playmaker could hurt the Socceroos at this Asian Cup.
This is the first major tournament in recent years where Australia hasn’t had both or either of Tom Rogic or Aaron Mooy, “No.10s” who pull the strings and play the killer ball that tear defences apart.
Throw in the absence of Ajdin Hrustic, who has also played that role for the Socceroos in recent years, and it’s a problem for the Australians that was evident in their 2-0 win over India.
While the Indians never looked like winning, the Socceroos struggled to break them down.
The first-half was slow, frustrating and at times hard to watch.
Australia’s final third was a problem. India was extremely resolute in defence and the Socceroos found it hard to break down their opponents.
It happens often when the Aussies play lowly ranked teams that sit back and defend in a low block.
It’s a different story when the Socceroos play against heavyweights of world football who attack and play an open style of football.
That leaves space in their own half that Graham Arnold’s men enjoy exposing on the counter attack. It plays to our strengths.
Against teams like India and some others the Socceroos will meet at the Asian Cup, we have to make the play in trying to break down sides that defend like their lives are depending on it.
It’s something the Australians need to work on, but it will improve as the tournament progresses.
In Riley McGree, who had a big impact when he came on against India, the Socceroos have, while not a genuine playmaker, someone who can have a massive effect on games.
Winger Martin Boyle can as well. He looked short of a gallop against India, but will be better for the run.
Boyle’s delivery from dead-ball situations needs to improve, as does Craig Goodwin’s.
Set pieces are normally a strength for the Socceroos, with giant defender Harry Souttar an obvious target when taking free-kicks and corners.
However, it’s hard to remember Souttar having a header in India’s penalty area, with the service from Goodwin and Boyle lacking quality and penetration.
Therefore, there’s a fair bit to work on for Australia.
The main thing is that the Socceroos opened their Cup campaign with a win and were never in danger of losing the game.
Maty Ryan was never tested between the posts in a comfortable return from a fractured cheekbone.
Jordan Bos is a huge talent. It wasn’t just his goal that was impressive in his cameo, but also his pace and energy.
Like McGree, Bos had a significant impact on the match after coming off the bench and both of them already loom as being crucial to the Socceroos’ chances of winning the tournament.
Originally published as Robbie Slater: Missing piece in Socceroos set-up that could hurt Asian Cup hopes
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