A star for the Socceroos at Asian Cup 2015, though the final ended in heartbreak for the talented striker after he sustained a serious injury. His arrival on the pitch on crutches at the post-game trophy presentation was one of the most emotional moments for Socceroo fans and players.
Kruse missed out on the Brazil World Cup due to injury but worked his way back into form and fitness with a fantastic Asian Cup. His strike against Oman in the group stage was a real eye-catcher and his all-round energy and incisive running showed what fans had been missing.
Kruse made his name at Brisbane Roar FC before moving to Melbourne Victory where his career took off under Ernie Merrick. It helped him earn a move to the Bundesliga with Fortuna Dusseldorf before his current club Bayer Leverkusen signed him in 2013, where they rate him highly.
No doubt about it, when Kruse returns to full fitness he will be a major part of the Socceroos' attacking arsenal on the road to Russia 2018.