2019 Asian Cup: Luongo, Kruse, Irvine all in frame to replace suspended Rogic for UAE clash
The Socceroos will be without Tom Rogic, the key to their attack, for their Asian Cup quarter-final against UAE. But coach Graham Arnold has plenty of faith in any potential replacements.
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Graham Arnold has foreshadowed a potential Asian Cup quarter-final formation change to paper over the void of suspended playmaker Tom Rogic.
The Socceroos will be without the key to their attack against the United Arab Emirates on saturday mmorning (EDT) after Rogic collected his second yellow card of the tournament in Monday’s 4-2 penalty shootout win over Uzbekistan.
The Celtic man had been the resplendent star of the show against group opponents Syria and Palestine.
And, although his influence was markedly diminished in front of of what Arnold called Uzbekistan’s “brick wall”, his absence robs the coach of his most creative weapon.
Rogic went into the book 20 minutes in for accidentally standing on Jalolidden Masharipov’s foot as he attemped a nutmeg, adding to his first caution in the 3-0 Palestine victory.
“The yellow card was a bit harsh because Tommy had no intent,” Arnold said.
“He just had the ball at his feet. These things happen. We have the options and I can change the system if we need to.”
Rogic’s loss is a tough one to take.
The 26-year-old’s passing range and penchant for a long-range stunner might have – if he was having an on day – gone some way to cutting through the UAE.
Jackson Irvine is an obvious candidate to step in, however Arnold intimated his preference was to leave the Hull City midfielder deeper where his physicality and aerial threat have been a strength.
“Regarding Jackson, we can change, he’s doing so well at No.6 but also we’ve got other players there,” Arnold said.
“And, as I said, I could change the system and play with two strikers, two No.9s, we could play with a diamond midfield. We’ve got plenty of options.”
Arnold also has other capable contenders including Massimo Luongo and Robbie Kruse, who both came off the bench late against Uzbekistan so have more left in the legs than their teammates who played 120 minutes.
Kruse, who is currently used as a winger but has previously been deployed as an attacking midfielder, has already put up his hand on the back of his solid spot kick in the shootout.
“I won’t put my hand down,” Kruse said.
“We don’t know. There’s going to be some sore bodies so it’s about recovering and getting ready for the game.
“Obviously Tommy’s a huge loss - he’s an influential player in our team - but it’s always going to be a squad that gets the job done. It was the same last Asian Cup and it’ll be the same this one.”
It’s been a difficult tournament for Kruse who, after a middling display against Jordan, lost his regular starting spot to Perth Glory starlet Chris Ikonomidis.
“There’s always young players coming through, it’s the way the game goes,” Kruse said.
“I was the same kid 11 years ago when I burst (onto the scene) in 2011. I’ve always been a starter in my career here, but I’m always going to help the team whatever I can do.”