The Socceroos will name their 26-player squad for the FIFA Men’s World Cup on Tuesday but who will be on Graham Arnold’s list?
Australia internationals Jamie Maclaren, Mathew Leckie and Marco Tilio only enhanced their hopes during Melbourne City’s 4-0 humbling of Perth Glory in the Isuzu UTE A-League on Saturday.
Maclaren was at the double to take his season tally to seven goals in five matches, while Leckie and Tilio also found the back of the net in Round 5.
The trio were all involved in Australia’s last international camp but it remains to be seen whether one, two or all three will be on the plane to Qatar.
After the match at AAMI Park, Paramount+ analyst Daniel McBreen said: “Leckie in particular for me, he has been amazing. Majority of their play every week comes down his left side.
“When he moves into that 10 role, he is so influential there. To get his goal at the end capped off a really great performance for him.
“Maclaren just can’t stop scoring, can he?
“Then you talk about Tilio. What can you ask of him? Go and create things, and score goals. When he’s had his opportunity, he’s done it.
“Big headaches for Graham Arnold coming up to make the selections.”
Tilio was asked if he thought he had done enough to be in Arnold’s squad and the City attacker told Paramount+: “It’s out of my hands. I just knew I had to perform and work hard. That’s all I’ve been trying to do since the start of the season.
“If I’m there, I’m there. If I’m not, I’ll just keep growing as a player. But fingers crossed I’m there.”
Likewise, Leckie – who was named man of the match – added: “It goes through the mind but at the end of the day, I don’t like to think about it too much. Whatever will be, will be.
“We can’t change it. All we can do as players is get ourselves as fit as possible. Play well on game day for our clubs. The most important thing is to stay healthy and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
McBreen has no doubt who’ll become all-time leading scorer
Jamie Maclaren. The Melbourne City talisman has seven goals to his name and we’re only in round five of the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The reigning Golden Boot winner is just 15 goals shy of the A-League Men’s all-time record following his brace against Perth Glory.
Besart Berisha holds the record, but former A-Leagues striker and Paramount+ analyst Daniel McBreen is backing Socceroo Maclaren to break the record, sooner rather than later.
“Some strikers have a knack of being in the right place at the right time. It’s instinctive where the ball will be,” McBreen said post-game.
“He has it, and when he does have it, it ends up in the back of the net.
“Quality striker and I have no doubt he will be our all-time leading goalscorer in the A-League. It’s whether or not can he do it this season? I’m going to put my money on yes.”
