Depth in midfield is the Caltex Socceroos’ greatest strength but makes for some difficult decisions for Ange Postecoglou ahead of next week’s 23-man squad announcement.
Two crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand loom large and there will be players who will be unfortunate to miss out.
SQUAD: 30-man Caltex Socceroos squad named for upcoming WCQs
Who do you think Ange will go with? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page.
Mustafa Amini
Earned his first cap earlier this year and is playing regularly at AGF in Denmark. Will it be enough to earn a spot in the 23?
Jackson Irvine
His red card aside, started the Championship season in England where he left off in 2016/17.
Now could be the time he becomes a regular in the starting XI.
Mile Jedinak
The skipper has battled injury for the last few months and is racing the clock to be fit.
Ange will need to decide if his experience and leadership skills make up for a lack of competitive matches.
James Jeggo
Seeing plenty of game time at Sturm Graz in Austria but much is likely to depend on Jedinak’s fitness. Can he keep his position with so much talent in the middle of the park?
Massimo Luongo
Has started his season with QPR impressively, getting plenty of minutes in the legs. Was superb in Australia’s last game against Chile as well which augurs well for his chances.
Riley McGree
The teenager has yet to break into the first team at Belgian side Club Brugge following his move from Adelaide United. Will that count against him?
Mark Milligan
Is still in pre-season at Melbourne Victory but Milligan is Australia’s ‘Mr Reliable’. A couple of hit-outs in the Westfield FFA Cup for Melbourne Victory should ensure he’s ready to go.
Aaron Mooy
Made a dream start to life in the Premier League with his involvement in a couple of goals in Huddersfield Town’s opening day 3-0 win at Crystal Palace.
On current form, probably the first player picked against Japan.
Mathew Leckie
Enjoyed the perfect competitive debut for Hertha Berlin over the weekend, setting up both goals in his side’s 2-0 German Cup win over Hansa Rostock.
The leading contender for the right wing-back role.
Brad Smith
Didn’t make the match-day squad for AFC Bournemouth in their EPL opener on the weekend.
But Smith has almost always performed in the green and gold, regardless of how many minutes he gets at club level.
Aziz Behich
Getting regular starts with Bursaspor in the Turkish Super Lig and in excellent form. Impressed at the FIFA Confederations Cup as well.
Alex Gersbach
The Rosenborg left-back is also playing plenty of minutes in Norway and is another option with Behich and Smith for Ange in the left wing-back role.
