Many Socceroos got their start in the A-League before becoming stalwarts of the national team.
Which former – or current – A-League regular has gained the most from the league in terms of Socceroos exposure?
This is what fans think at first glance.
Opinion poll: which Socceroo (former or current) do you think the A-League helped better their career the most?
— The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) December 1, 2019
To qualify for this list, players must have had zero caps internationally before their A-League debut.
Players will be ranked on appearances – mainly in crucial Socceroo fixtures – and also on individual awards won in the A-League.
Mile Jedinak
Played semi-professionally before being called into the Central Coast Mariners’ squad in the 2006-07 season.
After 45 appearances in Australia, he was rewarded with a contract in Turkey before moving to Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.
Mathew Ryan
Featuring as Socceroos captain in recent games – Ryan is on his way to becoming the most capped international at this rate.
Ryan won the Joe Marston Medal, goalkeeper of the year, and young footballer of the year two years running whilst at the Mariners.
Matthew Leckie
He caused headaches for defenders in his brief spell at Adelaide United.
After 35 appearances in Australia, he signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach and now plays for Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga.
Aaron Mooy
After stints at both Western Sydney Wanderers and then Melbourne City, Mooy has established himself as the Socceroos playmaker.
He recorded an all-time high 20 assists in 2015-16.
Alex Wilkinson
A player brought through the National Soccer League and the A-League to become one of the highest-regarded Australian defenders in recent times.
He was a constant squad member during Ange Postecoglou’s first 18 months in charge.
Total appearances compared with major tournament appearances
The Socceroos have competed at seven major tournaments since 2010 (three World Cups, three Asian Cups, one Confederations Cup).
The graph below analyses the number of international caps these players have and includes their appearances at major tournaments.
Results show Ryan has been used the most in bigger matches.
Individual awards
If you look at the number of individual awards won domestically by these players – it suggests Ryan did gain the most from the league.
Ryan does have the A-League to thank the most from this list of players.
The competition helped him grow into a fully-fledged, top-class goalkeeper.
Feature image credit: Supplied.
Enjoy this content? Support The Football Sack
Due in part to COVID and lack of current sponsorship we are at risk of not having the funds to continue running The Football Sack. If you enjoy our content and support our work in training talented young writers, please support us with a donation. If every reader contributed just $3, our funding would be covered for over ten years.
| DONATE |
