Asian Cup 2015: Ned Zelic urges Ange Postecoglou to show attacking intent in opener against Kuwait

WITH a squad bursting with attacking riches, Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos can lay down a marker in their Asian Cup opener against Kuwait, Ned Zelic says.

PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - JUNE 18: Tim Cahill of Australia reacts after receiving a yellow card as teammates Mathew Leckie looks on during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between Australia and Netherlands at Estadio Beira-Rio on June 18, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

AUSTRALIA can put their Asian Cup rivals on notice by showing their attacking intent from the outset against Kuwait, says former Socceroo Ned Zelic.

Ange Postecoglou’s side kicks off the tournament on January 9 in Melbourne against Kuwait - the 104th ranked side in the world - and sitting just 26 places above the gulf nation in the rankings, Zelic says it’s a game Australia should look to dominate and urged the coach to pick an attacking XI, starting with the midfield.

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Postecoglou can call upon skipper Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Matt McKay, Mark Bresciano and young guns Terry Antonis and Massimo Luongo in his engine room.

“You don’t need two holders against Kuwait,” Zelic said on theFox Football podcast.

“You can have Mile Jedinak in there just screening.

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“Antonis has been playing exceptionally well and gives you that creativity in midfield.

“He’s been great in that Sydney midfield switching the point of attacking quickly, and he can do the same with the Socceroos to the likes of Leckie and Kruse.

In the twilight of his career, Bresciano won’t play every game at the tournament Postecoglou revealed on Tuesday, but Zelic would like to see the 34-year-old’s creativity against Kuwait.

“I don’t know what he’s going to do with Bresciano. I’d like to see him in there on January 9,” he said.

After being found wanting up front at the World Cup, Postecoglou rectified that by picking an attack-minded squad, featuring record goalscorer Tim Cahill, in-form A-League hitman Nathan Burns, Robbie Kruse, Mathew Leckie and young gun Tomi Juric.

Zelic says balancing them in the front three will be tricky, but it’s a good problem for the coach to have.

“Ange has experimented and we have a bit more flexibility now,” Zelic said.

“There’s no issue changing players or formation.

“There are a lot of options in attack, which is great.”

Zelic tipped the Wellington Phoenix striker – who became the fastest player to reach 10 A-League goals in a season with his brace against Sydney FC at the weekend – to make an impact off the bench, but admitted Kruse’s spot is also open with the flyer still recovering from a knee reconstruction.

“We’ve got a situation now where we’re blessed to have a player like Nathan Burns coming in,” he said.

“I think Leckie should be starting because he’s in form – scoring goals and contributing assists for Ingolstadt in Germany.

“If you put Burns and Leckie, Timmy (Cahill) won’t start, and that won’t happen.

“There’s a question mark with Kruse and his injury so that’s a position that’s also up for grabs.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Ned Zelic urges Ange Postecoglou to show attacking intent in opener against Kuwait