Sydney FC’s former Caltex Socceroo Luke Wilkshire says Bert Van Marwijk’s World Cup experience will benefit Australia’s national team at Russia 2018.
Van Marwijk was announced as Socceroos coach on Thursday and will lead the team for the World Cup in Russia kicking off this June.
Wilkshire, 36, played for Australia against Van Marwijk’s star-studded Holland at Allianz Stadium in 2009.
With Rafael Van Der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt Klass Jan Huntelaar on show - plus future Hyundai A-League star Orlando Engelaar - the friendly ended 0-0 as the Socceroos continued preparations for the 2010 World Cup.
And the Sky Blues attacking defender – who has played in the Dutch Eredivisie over four seasons with Feyenoord and Twente - was part of the Socceroos side that defeated Van Marwijk’s Dutch in a friendly a year earlier in Eindhoven.
Australia won 2-1 that night in 2008, thanks to goals from Harry Kewell and Josh Kennedy.
“I played a few times against the Dutch national team. That night was very wet [in 2009]. I remember playing against Eljero Elia, who was a teammate of mine at the time.
“If you look at this appointment he’s got great experience and a great reputation so I think it’s a good appointment," Wilkshire told www.socceroos.com.au
“Obviously he’s only got a short time to prepare the team ahead of the World Cup, so that’s why you need someone who’s experienced and been there and done that and knows what it takes to be successful at a World Cup.
“So he’ll certainly know what he’s looking for before the World Cup and then how to approach things at the World Cup. Which makes this a good decision.
“His CV speaks for itself. At that level, he’s been very successful and it’s something that will be a great benefit to our national team.”