Alex Wilkinson says the Socceroos are still trying to find the right balance between their pro-active, attacking game and defensive solidarity.
The Socceroos’ attacking mantra has been a feature of Ange Postecoglou's side since he took the reins in late 2013.
And it’s had exceptional results with the Socceroos winning January’s Asian Cup and battling out a thrilling 2-2 draw with world champions Germany in March.
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It’s a style that’s been embraced by Aussie football fans and the players alike, but Wilkinson says the approach can’t be an excuse for taking too many risks in defence.
"We like to play attacking football but it is just as important to be strong defensively," Wilkinson told the World Game website.
"We cannot just say because we are an attacking team we can expect to have some hairy moments in defence and be happy about that.
"Some of the best teams in the world play very attacking football and are still solid defensively.
"I think it is just about improving as a team and getting the balance right.
"We have shown in previous games that we can play an attacking game and also be strong defensively. We still have so much improvement in us which is great."
The Socceroos made a winning – albeit shaky – start to their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win in Kyrgyzstan last month.
Wilkinson, who plays his club football with Jeonbuk Motors in Korea, declared there was no way the Socceroos will be changing their approach on the road to Russia.
"Ange wants us to play a pro-active game and dominate games, that's his philosophy," the 30-year-old said.
"He wants us to play in the opposition's half for large parts of the game. If we can do that we will keep the opposition away from our goal."
The ex-Central Coast Mariners captain is off contract in December, with his club future in Korea still very much in limbo.
There has been speculation Wilkinson will return to the Hyundai A-League but he insists he is yet to speak with any clubs for next season.
"I did say in an interview a while ago that I will look at offers when my commitments with Jeonbuk come to an end," Wilkinson said on his future.
"I have not spoken to any A-League club so I'm not sure where these rumours are coming from. My future after December is up in the air, to be honest. It all depends on what offers are on the table.
"If I stay in Korea or move elsewhere my first consideration will be 'will my family be happy there?'
"If the answer is 'yes' then I will look at any offer. All I can say is we're happy in Korea and are enjoying our Asian experience.
"Of course there is no place like home and if I get an offer from an A-League club I would definitely look at that too."
