Club: Red Star Belgrade
Previous clubs: VfB Stuttgart, 1860 Munich, Yokohama F Marinos
Caltex Socceroos cap number: 585
Debut: 27/05/2016 v England
Degenek was born in Croatia before his family moved to Australia as a child. He began his career with the Australian Institute of Sport followed by a move to Germany to join VfB Stuttgart's as a teenager in 2012. Injures prevented him from making a first-team appearance, but a subsequent switch to 1860 Munich elevated him to the national team reckoning.
Degenek broke into Caltex Socceroos squad after a number of strong showings as a centre-back and defensive midfielder in 2. Bundesliga and made his international debut against England in May 2016, providing the cross that led to Eric Dier's own goal.
He grew into a bigger role throughout the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and, now playing his club football in Saudi Arabia after stints in Japan and former European Cup champions Red Star Belgrade, Degenek is considered one of Australia's premier defenders.
Best Caltex Socceroos moment:
Degenek was included in Australia's squad for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and started against both Germany and Cameroon.
Did you know?
Previously captain of the Under-15 national team, Degenek was part of the Joeys squad that contested the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
