In June, Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak will be Australia’s most important man. Here’s some stuff you should know about him

APART from Tony Abbott, this man will soon hold the most important job in Australia. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on everything you should know about him.

ANTHONY SHARWOOD

2 min read

May 21, 2014 - 1:21PM

AUSTRALIA’S World Cup skipper has just been named. He is Mile Jedinak. Who? This might help.

1. He’s a slow burner

Jedinak is not the most high-profile player. There was no buzz around him when he was in his late teens and early 20s as there was with the likes of Harry Kewell or Tim Cahill.

Jedinak also has the rare knack of being able to play well while doing goggly things with his eyes. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

2. But that’s what makes him so impressive. He’s had to earn respect

Jedinak is one of those players who’s gotten better and better. Early on, he played in Croatia. At 29, he might have just reached his potential.

3. He captains an English Premier League club

And played all 38 games this year, as Crystal Palace finished a respectable 11th. They even conceded fewer goals than runner-up Liverpool.

Jedinak dances the tango with Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.

4. He was captain of most of the teams he played for, from Under 13s to Under 18s

So wearing the armband is not new to him.

5. He’s a lead-by-example kind of skipper

Fox Sports football host Adam Peacock has this to say: “He’s a ball winner who really rips in. He can do that without yelling and ranting and raving.”

6. He looks like Eric Bana

Well, he does. Check this picture.

Sort of. A bit. OK then, not at all.

7. His real name is Michael John Jedinak

He was born in Sydney, of Croatian descent. Mile is one of those nicknames that has kind of become his official name.

8. You pronounce it “Millay Yedinak”

Ignore the J, as you would with Jarlsberg cheese.

9. He’s lethal from long range

Here’s just one example.

TITLE: What a strike SIZE: 650x366px CAPTION: Mile Jedinak

10. He has a good relationship with coach Ange Postecoglou

“Ange has the utmost respect for him because of the way he’s improved throughout his career,” Adam Peacock says.

11. He’s a midfielder

For those of you who want to impress your friends with football knowledge. And everyone knows midfielders, not strikers, rule World Cups. Check the dictionary under “Maradona”.

And he loves practising his karate moves on the pitch. Pic: Mark Evans

12. He has a young family

Wife Natalie and toddler André are in England now but will join him in Brazil during the Cup.

13. He doesn’t have annoying facial hair

Unlike a certain former Socceroos skipper whose soul patch started to get on everyone’s nerves.

I thought I told you to shave those sideburns, Neill!

14. He’s offically our best footballer right now

Jedinak took out the title of “Footballer of the Year” at the Australian Football Awards in November.

And doesn’t he look excited about it! Pic: Mark Evans

15. He’s a gentleman

When he scored his one-and-only Premier League goal this year, he didn’t celebrate as a mark of respect for young Aussie player Dylan Tombides, who had just passed away after a serious illness.

16 He’s a proud Aussie

That’s really all you need to know.