Hiddink formula can help van Marwijk 'invigorate' Caltex Socceroos: Thompson

Former Australia international Archie Thompson expects Bert van Marwijk to replicate the energising effect Guus Hiddink had on the Caltex Socceroos.

Hiddink plucked Luke Wilkshire and Josh Kennedy from obscurity for his Germany 2006 squad and surprised many by selecting Hyundai A-League youngsters Mark Milligan and Michael Beauchamp.

It's a template Thompson believes the newly-appointed van Marwijk can use to enhance the competition for places.

"It's good that there will be that opportunity for some of those fringe players that maybe were thinking 'I'm not really pushing for the Socceroos starting XI' to have a clean slate," Thompson told socceroos.com.au.

"It reinvigorates the team.

"I know when Guus came in the training sessions lifted, the players lifted because they knew spots weren't guaranteed. It just made it more competitive.

"And I think that's why we had success. I believe they can have the same success with Bert."

Mark Milligan and Michael Beauchamp
Mark Milligan and Michael Beauchamp were two of Hiddink's left-field selections in 2006.

Thompson's high hopes for van Marwijk are supported by the former Saudi Arabia coach's knowledge of the current Caltex Socceroos squad, having twice locked horns with Australia on the way to qualifying the Super Eagles for Russia.

The 65-year-old also guided the Netherlands to the FIFA World Cup final in 2010 amid club stints with the likes of Feyenoord, Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg.

"He's got a great CV. He knows what to expect and he's played against our team before so we know what players we have," Thompson said.

"I think what's exciting is he wants to win games, he wants to be competitive.

"He obviously believes he can be and he knows what we're capable of and the players we've got."