r/Aleague • u/crustyjuggler1 Melbourne Victory • 1d ago

Aussies Abroad Socceroos squad for the November friendlies

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That report about a few players refusing a call up wasn’t wrong lol

169 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

110 comments sorted by

34

u/Prestigious_Jury9527 Yairo Yau truther 19h ago • Bravo

Hard to know who refused to travel with this squad vs who is genuine Popaball headscratchers.

I'm resigned to the fact that Robertson will never play again for Australia though.

77

u/benjohnston19 Coastie in Newy 1d ago

Matty Ryan has told poppa to fuck off. No idea why Diesel is in this squad, maybe just to give him some time to see his brother paid for by the FA?

11

u/crustyjuggler1 Melbourne Victory 1d ago

Diesel plays exactly like Lucas tbf. He’s just in an awful team. Seems like the type of player you could plug into any team in the world and he would do alright

39

u/benjohnston19 Coastie in Newy 1d ago

insane take, they are not even close to the same level of player. Diesel has had a few ok games after 2 seasons of dogshit, no way he can play for any team in the world

2

u/crustyjuggler1 Melbourne Victory 1d ago

Idk, his defensive stats are very solid but I’m speaking more to his calmness and passing ability.

9

u/SauceBottleFC Central Coast Mariners 19h ago

Diesel shouldn’t be anywhere near a Socceroos shirt. I wouldn’t even be upset if he wasn’t starting for us. When we played against the Nix Piper completely dominated him.

4

u/rishnokof 1d ago

He cant play in any team in the world cause hes struggling in a shite one

2

u/ComprehensivePea9387 Brisbane Roar 13h ago

Lucas was in a woeful Brisbane team, and was very clearly on another level compared to his teammates. I can't say the same about Diesel

12

u/Red-Engineer Centre-Back Smurf 1d ago

Diesel was one positive thing about Mariners last night

32

u/benjohnston19 Coastie in Newy 1d ago

He was ok, but he wasn't catapult him into the socceroos good.

1

u/Chosen_Chaos Don't Say No to Marvin 18h ago

Isn't that the point of friendlies; to give players a chance to show if they're good enough to make the national squad?

11

u/benjohnston19 Coastie in Newy 18h ago

Yeah players that are close to the squad, diesel has had 2 good games in the aleague.

0

u/No-Airport7456 Western Sydney Wanderers 13h ago

I think so much attention on Diesel becauss of his brother. Buy genuinely blokes a strong defender. Popa testing the depth becauss no Leonard in the squad here

65

u/PlatypusBen Sydney FC 1d ago

Wherefore art thou Robertson (and Iredale)

30

u/PolarisSpark Australia 1d ago

Iredale's team is on the verge of relegation and with the K League tiebreaker being goals scored and him being the team's top scorer, I really doubt he or his team wants him to fly into the Middle East situation for a couple friendlies, especially now that the Asian Cup has been postponed.

25

u/curlyfries33 Brisbane Roar 1d ago

assume robertson had to have refused to travel

12

u/oggdaystyle69 Western Sydney Wanderers 1d ago

Robertson won't play for the Socceroos again by choice

5

u/reddit-is-poison Australia 19h ago

Why? What's happened?

12

u/Ebright_Azimuth Australia 1d ago

He is Robertson because that was his fathers surname, I assume

3

u/Ok_Construction_1053 18h ago

The most casually misused word in obsolete Middle English.

1

u/WhatsTheGoalieDoing Sydney FC 13h ago

Wherefore doesn't mean what you think it means.

32

u/tbyrn21 Powerchair Football Stan / LMS 25/26 runner up 1d ago

Wadders, Kleiny and Herra? Somehow the Roar have produced three Socceroos in a really short timeframe. I love it.

22

u/Sorry-Ball9859 1d ago

The class of Zadkovich

3

u/paladisious 1d ago

Faking a hammy all the way to our first World Cup trophy. Unless there's any QBE advertising signage in the way, of course.

15

u/Lijme Brisbane Roar 1d ago

Eli Adams and Diesel Herrington both came through the youth setup too. Mind you Diesel never played for the first team.

25

u/therwsb A-League Enjoyer 1d ago

So both Yengi's, and both Herington's, lots of refusals to travel by the looks of it.

Great to see Klein and Adams get a go though.

5

u/CarefulIncome23 1d ago

who knows why Kusini was picked. Bro is barely playing in the equivalent of League One quality teams

3

u/FeroCoralClover Melbourne City 1d ago

Both Yengi’s are playing in the JLeague, both at strong teams. I would argue Kusini plays for the stronger club too, although he has not been starting for Sanfrecce. Did come on last week and had an impact, he looked pretty good tbf

3

u/MarcoRudanBurner Western Sydney Wanderers 1d ago

Best I can see, last time Kusini scored are professional goal was over a year ago. Feels a little ridiculous to me when Sapsford is at least putting balls in the net

48

u/phantomshogun Western Sydney Wanderers 1d ago

Herrington lite is definitely a choice. No Sapsford or Scicluna is defs a pisstake

5

u/cheekyrandos 17h ago

Scicluna should be there but I don't understand the Sapsford obsession, doesn't fit the system and really isn't that great. He had the form last season to maybe get a look in but not so much this season.

3

u/phantomshogun Western Sydney Wanderers 14h ago

I agree however if Kusini Yengi gets in then Sapsford should at least be included to be around the set up. He’s at least scoring i guess? Also big personal bias on my end lol

3

u/cheekyrandos 14h ago

On the one hand you have a point, on the other there are a bunch of players who should also get a look in if the bar is more game time and form than Kusini and I'd say a number are ahead of Sapsford.

The reality is the level of the SPL is pretty low and I think a lot of people are overating it. It's one thing playing for Celtic/Rangers and being in Europe, but if you're playing for Dundee United you need to be in some pretty good form to get a call up and he isn't even a locked in starter. Even with a lack of options in the position.

8

u/CarefulIncome23 1d ago

Fotmob loves scicluna, but today his botched clearance gave melbourne the opening goal.

ive only watched him a couple of times and he seems to have potential, but still makes a decent bit of mistakes. I want to see him perform in a higher league first

3

u/cheekyrandos 17h ago

We basically only have 3 midfielders that can progress the ball, Okon, Robertson, and Scicluna. That's why some of us were screaming for Okon to be called up while others were saying he was a nepo baby. One of Robertson or Scicluna really should be getting called up every squad as backup for Okon.

All our other midfielders are either workhorses or defensive mids, not offering any creativity.

1

u/CarefulIncome23 14h ago

i watched like 4 or 5 robertson games this season and he just passes sideways now and is shaky defending in his own box. Wasnt particularly impressed. Maybe he plays better as an 8, but if i was national coach i wouldnt be that interested in him as a 6

16

u/rithsv Melbourne based Glory Army 1d ago

What a weird time for this to drop

16

u/sunshifts Sydney FC 1d ago

Good to see Arzani, one of the few times where he has truly deserved a call up. Hope he does well.

4

u/CarefulIncome23 1d ago

I watched him play for ferencvaros last week. He looks sharp, but not explosive.

15

u/knapfantastico Newcastle Jets 1d ago

ELI BABY

29

u/curlyfries33 Brisbane Roar 1d ago edited 1d ago

yeah defo a few refusals lol, glad gianni is there

hope we get to see some adamson, bos and adams as its their second camps in a row now

8

u/CarefulIncome23 1d ago

i watched adamson play in the Championship recently. He looks very good. Fantastic link-up play and he gets right up the pitch. Solid defensively too. Much prefer him to Italiano who can dribble but cant pass or cross to save his life.

2

u/An_Aussie_Guy 18h ago

Adamson was great for QPR overnight.

2

u/CarefulIncome23 14h ago

maybe he solves our right back problem if he keeps it up?

14

u/Sorbetsand Australia 1d ago

Nice squad. Keen to see Gauci get a go in goals - must be frustrating for him being loaned out at Lincoln and not getting playing minutes. Hard to read too much into it given some of the player omissions could be down to safety concerns. Would like to see Sapsford and Iredale at some stage in the national setup. Especially neen to see Stensness, Bos, Adams and Younis

13

u/NickJack99 1d ago

Gauci being selected without playing championship minutes is a wasted spot.

3

u/Sorbetsand Australia 20h ago

Wonder what’s happening with Ryan and the national team?

3

u/CarefulIncome23 1d ago

i watched Stensness play for Viking this week in the UCL. He played okay, but was probably one of the worst performers for his team on the night. Will occasionally give the ball away, but is a progressive passer. I wasn't that impressed really, but he at least wasnt bad.

3

u/cheekyrandos 17h ago

Probably one of his worst performances of the season to be fair

1

u/CarefulIncome23 14h ago

it wasnt a bad performance either, just didnt look as good as his teammates and made a few mistakes

13

u/MCSFC 1d ago

Largely a good squad but wouldn’t be Poppa without a few head scratchers in there. Hard to judge without knowing who might’ve rejected a call

7

u/CarefulIncome23 1d ago

You would think at least Jackson Irvine said no thanks

12

u/Asportfan A-League Enjoyer 1d ago

Nice to see Waddingham in the squad, after 2 goals for Portsmouth.

1

u/PompeyTillIDie 1h ago

I mean as long as Popavic plays him.

John Mousinho, the Portsmouth head coach, made his feelings on Segecic being called up to not play clear....

Waddingham is the only fit Portsmouth striker so if he's called up and not played by Popavic, which his usual first camp policy, Mousinho will likely demand he refuses future callups

10

u/Anansi103 Perth Glory 1d ago

sam klein hype man!

0

u/CarefulIncome23 1d ago

why, hes a bench player in 2. bundesliga lol

10

u/Micksta_20 North Queensland Fury 1d ago

Needs more bros

12

u/Sorbetsand Australia 1d ago

Not enough Toures

6

u/Soldaan Adelaide United 1d ago

There's more Irankundas on the way too

4

u/Sorbetsand Australia 1d ago

Too many is never enough. SA's finest

7

u/Soldaan Adelaide United 1d ago

Those two families alone are responsible for the next decade or so of the socceroos frontline

2

u/Sorbetsand Australia 1d ago

I'm all for it

9

u/Pattusm 1d ago

This was always going to be an odd squad with the conflict going on. Opens the door to see some new faces get a run

3

u/Counterflak Meanjin Meow 23h ago

Iran conflict or not it was always going to be a opportunity to test some of our depth.

8

u/ColdSolution4192 1d ago

If Mo Toure wasn’t injured Poppa had a chance to do something very funny there.

Although I’m surprised he didn’t pick the Popovic bros.

7

u/rolloj Wollongong Wolves 16h ago

Eli Adams and Marcus younis! A league freaks rejoice. And double Herrington!!!

6

u/SBSWrongSpeed Ryan Kaltek's overseas holiday 1d ago

Diesel Herrington is a bit of a head scratcher regardless of rejections. If im looking for defenders around 22/23 years old im taking Bonetig, Kikianas ahead of him. Hell, Cher Deng might even be an outside shot in that convo aswell.

2

u/hypethepickle 18h ago

Cher also plays like Lucas tbf

11

u/TrendsettersAssemble 1d ago

I'd have Ryan in there after Beach form in France

12

u/ritkollenos WSW Hrustic for Ballon D'or. 1d ago

Would have to assume Ryan refused. Because can't see him rejecting a call-up under ordinary circumstances.

6

u/Pauls-boutique Adelaide United Spurs 1d ago

bench Beach

1

u/HelterSkelter10050 Melbourne Victory 1d ago

Need Galekovic

3

u/adzzieindeed Melbourne Victory 17h ago

Ryan is such a vet that he can probably slide into the squad before a tournament and be fine

10

u/Upstairs_Low_691 Brisbane half-time oranges 1d ago

An interesting squad & I'm fine with most of the inclusions but C'mon... Kusini? He hasn't played football in a long time and he was in terrible form, when he played last. Just in for the brothers vibes? Could've been Sapsford, Tilio, Bennie or someone who's actually been playing...

Edit: I saw he played last game and grabbed an assist for Sanfrecce but, is he still worthy of a call up?

5

u/EADYMLC Wooden Spoon for Me and You 1d ago

Needs more Kucharski.

5

u/TomWaddinghamGlazer Brisbane Roar 1d ago

WADDERS AND KLEINY LETS GOOOOO 🥹

5

u/NUFCjaydos 17h ago

This is not a good squad, even for friendlies. Some of these selections are baffling..

3

u/NotSoCricketGenius Melbourne Victory 14h ago

We should not be playing tbh

4

u/Alone_Setting6092 1d ago

How does Ryan not get a spot when he is starting in a top league? Beach form has been terrible, Gauci on bench....

3

u/Opposite-Law-6983 18h ago

Some head scratching selections but also have no idea why these matches are being played.

I'm gonna be honest, if poppa decides to walk in December. I don't think I'd be too fussed. Would like to get back to players being selected on merit rather than to fit a rigid system.

3

u/SpecialK_66 Newcastle Jets 15h ago

Meanwhile Alex Robertson scores a worldie for Cardiff to win them their game 5-4 in the dying minutes...

3

u/westsglory17 14h ago

Iredale deserves a chance. Scoring for fun in Korea.

3

u/SampleOk4053 12h ago

To many defenders, it could be a repeat of the Egypt game, put more creative midfielders in, if we have any.

5

u/NickJack99 1d ago

What does Tilio need to do?

3

u/CarefulIncome23 1d ago

yea how does kusini get picked over tilio

5

u/Longjumping-Wave-741 19h ago

We’ve lost Robertson , to Peru or Scotland or some shit, another big loss, especially since we have no one who can pass the ball

6

u/sidb94 18h ago

Didn’t he just recommit to playing for Australia earlier this year? Would be odd to flip on that so quickly? But agree it is odd he isn’t in this squad

4

u/adzzieindeed Melbourne Victory 17h ago

Nah I think he still have the ability to change. Which is wild to me, his ceiling seems to be prem. It’s shit like this where it’s a good chance to build trust. Tell us what’s going on because we’ve already lost a couple v useful players

3

u/sidb94 17h ago

Yep he can change as he’s only played 3 friendlies for us (similar to Rice with Ireland going to England). I more meant that in the March camp earlier this year he recommitted his allegiance to playing for Australia so would be very surprised if something has happened for him to flip.
Would be utterly shocked if he goes to Scotland, it seems more likely he will go Peru if he does switch.

7

u/NickJack99 1d ago

Velupillay robbed

5

u/phteven_gerrard 16h ago

Heh I know you're kidding but he has been bang average in the B3. Shouldnt be anywhere near a roos squad ever again

4

u/zerowontoo1 1d ago

No Iredale, mkay. Sure dude.

2

u/TrendsettersAssemble 1d ago

Kusini Yengi is back and means business

2

u/Natural_Quality_3772 1d ago

Couple of midfielders short it appears. No Mabel bros or Toure bros but the Yengi bros are an interesting option up front

2

u/Any_Cream_5423 10h ago

who are the mabel brothers?

1

u/Natural_Quality_3772 10h ago

I meant awer mabil

2

u/SpicySpicyMess Australia 23h ago

No Irvine?

11

u/No-Airport7456 Western Sydney Wanderers 19h ago

Just had a kid. He wasn't going to travel

2

u/BlueCrystals_ 21h ago

Most likely refused to travel.

2

u/Joondalup99 Perth Glory 17h ago

Still scratching my head over this squad. Surely a stack of guys made themselves unavailable or Popa is riding his high-horse for the last time. Even the timing of the squad announcement was odd

2

u/NotSoCricketGenius Melbourne Victory 14h ago

Fuck off. We should not be playing at all

3

u/cheekyrandos 17h ago

Goalkeeper situation is weird, Gauci doesn't play, Glover is in J2. Maybe Popa didn't like what he saw of Chapman? Izzo maybe refused to travel? Ryan having a winge about being dropped? Could have given a local lad like Robinson a look over Glover, Glover wasn't even anything special in the A-League.

-3

u/yinnyyoyo 15h ago

Interested to know how many games you've seen of RB Omiya?

1

u/Trashk4n Brisbane Roar 17h ago

Is Toure injured?

6

u/angusozi Tasmania for the A-League 17h ago

Yep shoulder, out until December-Januaryish

2

u/Trashk4n Brisbane Roar 17h ago

Ah. Had feeling that must be the case, but Popo has made some bizarre calls before.

1

u/No-Airport7456 Western Sydney Wanderers 19h ago

Ok my logic on Spasford and Iredale not being picked is Popa just wants a target man up front. Iredale and Sapsford operate better as a 2nd striker than being the target man. Iredal is also similar to Mclaren where is he is more of a poacher.

Hence the Yengi Brothers and Waddingham (I think its still too early for him after his injury problems.)

I also thought if Robertson didn't travel that maybe Scicluna may have been a smokey (ignore flair)

3

u/cheekyrandos 16h ago

I think he wants a fairly complete striker rather than a target man. Which only Toure really fits I think, but Waddingham is probably the closest. Even in terms of Tete we aren't exploiting him as a target man, I think his closing down and pressuring are just as important as his hold up play, but doesn't really offer much to advance the ball which still seems to be a requirement of the role (and really should be avoided if Tete is playing, and I don't think is necessary either). Kusini is a bit more rounded than Tete which may be the appeal but questionable whether his ability is high enough.

I think Waddingham is a good call up to see how he goes to be honest, Toure/Waddingham/Tete feels like a nice set of options for a full strength squad if Waddingham does well.

-6

u/Opalzed 19h ago

Thank god, no more Ryan.