Swindon Town will find it hard to hold on to Massimo Luongo after the Socceroo midfielder starred in the 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia playing as a number 10.
Luongo was a standout for Ange Postecoglou’s side who held off a fast-finishing Saudi side at Craven Cottage for their first victory in 10 months on Tuesday morning (AEST).
It’s a performance which will only add to the growing reputation of the former Tottenham midfielder, whose League One club did well to hold onto his services during the recent transfer window.
Championship clubs Norwich and Rottheram both made enquiries over his availability but Swindon were able to hold onto one of their prized assets.
But after a classy display in his first Socceroos start, it can’t be long before more big clubs come knocking for Luongo again.
“That all comes with the decision for me and whether it’s the right choice or the right move for me,” Luongo told Fox Sports.
“I’ll have to wait until January now. I’m sure a few offers might come in but that’s far from my worries at the moment
“I’m just thinking about playing for Swindon every week, obviously keeping fit to hopefully keep playing here (with the Socceroos).”
The 21-year-old, normally a holding midfielder with Swindon, was deployed as a ‘No.10’ by Postecoglou and was at the heart of a lot of Australia’s good attacks.
With Mark Bresciano heading towards the end of his international career, it’s a position that is likely to be up for grabs in the near future.
Injured Celtic youngster Tom Rogic has long been anointed for that role, while Tommy Oar plays there for club side FC Utrecht.
Asked if he sees a future in the Green and Gold in that position, Luongo said: “Yeah it’s definitely something I can add in my locker.
“Obviously there’s more to come with the Aussie squad hopefully and I can learn a lot.
“It’s a bit foreign for me but first of all I try and protect the ball and act just like a midfielder and the rest will come when I think of it on the spot really.
“Personally I enjoyed playing in the team. There was no pressure on me to get on the ball. If I give it away, nothing, so I didn’t feel any pressure.
"I felt especially in the first half I got in the pockets really well, I was free to express myself and I did.”
Another player who expressed himself brilliantly was centre-back Bailey Wright, who was solid throughout and capped his debut with the match-winning goal.
“I didn’t think it would quite go like that. I’m not really one for getting too many but it was nice to be out there and represent my country,” he said.
“It means a lot. I can’t describe that feeling you get when you put on the shirt and step out there and represent your country.
“As a kid you dream of things like that, you watch it and now to be able to do it with these boys is something pretty special and something I’ll always remember now.
“It’s good to get the win because at the end of the day you want to be a part of a winning team as well and it’s nice to get it started off like that.”