Harry Souttar recently sat down to speak with Socceroos.com.au following his transfer to Premier League outfit Leicester City, and reflected on Australia's incredible FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ from a collective and personal level, as well as looking ahead to a two-match home series against Ecuador.
The Subway Socceroos host the South American side on Friday, 24 March at CommBank Stadium and later on Tuesday, 28 March at Marvel Stadium.
During the insightful chat, the 24-year-old defender was also asked to name his dream five-a-side team of Subway Socceroos who played in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Souttar excited to be returning to Australia
READ MORE: Looking back: Our last meeting with Ecuador
READ MORE: Opposition Spotlight: Ecuador
READ MORE: How to watch: Subway Socceroos vs Ecuador
Checkout his reasoning behind the inclusions below.
Mat Ryan
So in goal we're going to go with Maty Ryan. Obviously there was a few choices and one that came in and interviewed me the other day (Mark Schwarzer) is probably disappointed not to get in there. But obviously playing with Maty knowing firsthand of what he does to prepare every training session, every game and I love playing in front of him. He's one of the best captains that I've played for, played under. You know, everybody respects him massively and he's a top-class goalie. So that's why he's in my team.
Harry Souttar
And then I'm going play a diamond four (formation) and I'm going to put myself in defence. Not really, too much self-explaining, but yeah probably the weakest of the five-a-side team, but I'm going to put myself in there.
Aaron Mooy
Two midfielders. On the left, I'm going to put Aaron Mooy. Obviously I think that everybody knows how good a football player he is. His right foot is just absolutely magic. Whenever he gets on the ball you just think he's just going to do something that no one else on the pitch has seen. Whether it's like coming off and playing one over the defence or sliding the ball through. You know when you give him the ball as a centre-half he's going to keep it, and he's not going to lose it and that's such a good feeling because he always shows for the ball, always wants the ball, no matter how. There could be two men on him, he'll always offer himself and that as a midfielder is all you want as a centre-half. So he's in my team.
Mile Jedinak
On the right is Mile Jedinak, I've come across him a few times. Actually, I know he's loan manager at Aston Villa. I played against him in a pre-season game, but I'm not too sure if he was going to remember this. But I fouled one of their players and this is kind of before I played for Australia. I never told anyone this story before. He came over and had a few choice words and then I said something I probably shouldn't have. He said something back and there were a few guys that came up to me and said, 'yeah you probably shouldn't say that to him'. So I was put in my place very quickly. I've met him a couple of times obviously, we had a couple of lads on loan from Villa at Stoke a couple of seasons ago. So yeah, got chatting away. Obviously what he's done for the country and the teams that he's played for. Everyone you speak to about him says what a top-class player and guy he is. Another captain, so a team full of leaders we've got and just a great player. And obviously his goals for Australia in massive, important matches speak for themself.
Tim Cahill
Up front pretty obvious, Timmy Cahill. Obviously watched him growing up at Everton. His goal record, how many goals he scored, for every club he's been to and Australia is amazing. And obviously met him properly at the World Cup. He was one of the coaching staff, and yeah just gave me some great advice and always there if I need to speak to anyone. He's a top-class striker. So yeah, that's my five-a-side team.
SUBWAY SOCCEROOS’ WELCOME HOME SERIES – MATCH SCHEDULE
Match Day One
Date: Friday, 24 March 2023
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Time: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SOCECU23
Broadcast: Live on 10 in Sydney and Melbourne, 10 Bold in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth, and on 10 Play and Paramount+.
Match Day Two
Date: Tuesday, 28 March 2023
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/25005E53BFD52417
Broadcast: Live on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Melbourne Two Match Deal
Subway Socceroos v Ecuador: Tuesday, 28 March, 7:30pm AEDT
CommBank Matildas v France: Friday, 14 July, 7:30pm AEST
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/25005E618FB73FBF