Australia: Three players to keep an eye on at the 2018 World Cup

Tim Cahill during his time with the New York Red Bulls (Photo By: Rob Tringali)

Tim Cahill (Forward, 38, Millwall-in theory)

We would like to use this space to tout some young, hot, up-and-coming Australia forward. But Tim Cahill still keeps producing for the Socceroos and no one has been unable to unseat him. Although he is 38 years old he hasn’t missed a beat and will be looking to use this World Cup to secure another deal with Millwall. After 50 goals and so many wonderful moments, who are we to second-guess him?

Massimo Luongo (Midfielder, 25, Queens Park Rangers)

Lunongo played a massive role in helping Australia win their first-ever AFC Asian Cup back in 2015, which in turn led to a move to Queens Park Rangers. Since then he has made over 101 starts for QPR and was one of the few bright spots this season that kept them out of relegation. As a center-midfielder he is very adept at moving his side from defense to attack and his passing ability has improved under former QPR coach Ian Holloway (Yes, we just credited Holloway with something). But he seems to have outgrown Loftus Road so the World Cup is coming at the perfect time to show other clubs what he can do.

Mathew Ryan (Goalkeeper, 26, Brighton & Hove Albion)

Ryan appears to be the goalkeeper of choice for Australia coach Bert van Marwjik over Brad Jones of Feyernoord given that he has started the last three friendlies. Ryan is a good keeper who was under a bit of pressure this season with Brighton in their first year in the Premier League so that may have played a bit in his favor. He is going to have a heck of a task ahead of him in their first match against France. If he can lead his side to a result or at least a non-crushing loss then it may spell hope for him that he won’t get removed against Denmark or Peru.