Three A-League games shape as make or BREAK for these 10 would-be Socceroos ahead of Qatar World Cup

The 2022/23 A-League season officially kicks-off tonight when Melbourne City hosts Western United – and there will be more on the line than just domestic football glory.

There are a host of players that will be looking to use the Australian competition as their final audition for the final Socceroos squad for the Qatar World Cup.

Just three A-League rounds remain before coach Graham Arnold has to announce his final Socceroos squad for the World Cup. 

Here are the 10 players that will be fighting it out for places in that squad – and what their chances are of making the final cut.

Garang Kuol: Central Coast Mariners

Garang Kuol is an exciting young talent who has quickly gained the attention of soccer fans around the world. 

Beginning his career with the Central Coast Mariners, the 18-year-old impressed from the very start, scoring on his A-League debut.

He went on to showcase his talent and potential in several other big matches, earning a call-up to the All Stars exhibition match against Barcelona and picking up several awards for his impressive performances. 

With a move to Premier League side Newcastle United now official, it is clear that Garang Kuol’s incredible rise is far from over.

Whether he continues to impress at the highest levels of soccer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this young prodigy is certainly one to watch.

He will return to the Mariners on loan from Newcastle United until January, so the chance to book his place in the starting side for Qatar will present itself in the domestic competition. 

Despite his young age, he has seemingly done everything possible to put himself in a position to be selected for Qatar this November. Whether he will start or come off the bench remains the only real question facing Graham Arnold.

Redmayne (L) celebrates with Australia’s defender Aziz Behich after winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 inter-confederation play-offs match between Australia and Peru

Andrew Redmayne: Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne is often hailed as one of the top goalkeepers in the A-League, with his impressive reflexes and strong shot-stopping abilities. 

Yet prior to his heroics in Australia’s World Cup qualifying game against Peru, Redmayne had been struggling at club level. 

He lost his starting spot at Sydney FC last season to young goalkeeper Tom Heward-Belle, and made some uncharacteristic mistakes that put him under pressure.

Now, however, Redmayne is back on top of his game. 

With Mariners star Danny Vukovic challenging for a spot on the national team, Redmayne needs to play well to secure his place on the plane to Qatar. 

But given his past record, there is no doubt that Redmayne has what it takes to succeed.

Goodwin battles for possession with Ihsan Haddad of Jordan during an international friendly

Craig Goodwin: Adelaide United

Craig Goodwin is a versatile and skilled player who often flies under the radar in Australia’s soccer scene – though his skill and ability are undeniable. 

At 30 years old, Goodwin is in his prime and would make an excellent addition to Australia’s World Cup squad. 

Not only does he have great footwork and powerful shooting skills, but he is also a naturally left-footed winger who is adept at taking set pieces. 

Additionally, his flexibility allows him to play both on the wing and at left-back, making him a valuable asset for the Socceroos. 

Despite not being selected for last month’s friendlies against New Zealand, he remains an important part of Australia’s national team plans. 

If called upon, we can be sure that Craig Goodwin has what it takes to excel on the international stage. 

Arzani celebrates scoring a goal during the Australia Cup semi-final match between Oakleigh Cannons FC and Macarthur FC

Daniel Arzani: Macarthur FC

Daniel Arzani was one of the most exciting young talents in Australian soccer, having made a name for himself as a breakout star at the 2018 World Cup. 

Since then, however, his career has taken something of a downward trajectory, as he struggled to make an impact on the European stage.

This year, however, Arzani has truly hit his stride again, joining Macarthur FC and quickly proving that he still has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. 

His fitness base has improved significantly, and his raw talent and creativity remain unchanged.

Indeed, according to Macarthur FC coach Dwight Yorke, there is ‘no question’ that Arzani deserves a spot on Australia’s roster for the upcoming 2022 World Cup. 

However, coach Graham Arnold was blunt when asked about Arzani’s chances and said no player will be picked on reputation.

Arzani is going to have to play out of his skin in the opening three games of the A-League season to force his way back into the mix. 

Liberato Cacace of the All Whites competes with Jason Cummings of the Socceroos

Jason Cummings: Central Coast Mariners

The former Scottish international is a player with something to prove this A-League season as he looks to represent his new nation on the biggest stage.

Since bursting onto the soccer scene almost a decade ago, Cummings has drawn a lot of attention for his incredible skill and ball control, as well as his fierce competitiveness.

However, he has not always lived up to the high expectations that have been placed upon him over the years. 

Now 27 years old, the A-League will be an important opportunity for Cummings to show that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

And he knows it too; Arnie has repeatedly stated in recent interviews that he will be watching Cummings closely this season, with an eye on securing one of the coveted spots on the World Cup roster.

With so much at stake for both team and player alike, we can expect plenty of excitement from Jason Cummings in this year’s A-League. 

Whether he makes it to the World Cup or not, this will certainly be a season filled with passion and potential.

Tilio and New Zealand’s Matthew Garbett fight for the ball during a friendly international football match between Australia and New Zealand

Marco Tilio: Melbourne City

A butchered attempt at goal against New Zealand in the recent friendlies may have pushed the 21-year-old to the outer, after he was way too casual with the gifted shot on goal and missed the target completely.

However, the door has not slammed shut completely on Tilio’s chances of boarding the plan to Qatar.

Tilio remains one of the most promising young players in Australia’s soccer scene and is already a key contributor for Melbourne City, where he regularly competes with more experienced players on the roster for playing time.

Despite his youth and relative inexperience, Tilio has shown himself to be an extremely talented and skilled player.

Tilio has all the potential to become one of the top players in the A-League and many are eagerly watching to see when he will break out and start showing what he is truly capable of.

With his combination of grit, tenacity, and talent, there is no doubt that Tilio will soon take his game to the next level and prove himself as one of the top young stars in Australian soccer.

But unless that breakthrough comes immediately in the next three A-League rounds, Tilio is more likely to feature in future World Cups. 

Mat Leckie supports Cummings as he prepares to step up for a penalty strike against NZ

Mathew Leckie: Melbourne City

Mathew Leckie is one of Australia’s most experienced and loyal players. Over the past decade, he has been a mainstay of the national team, having played an important role in numerous international games.

However, with his career now nearing its end, there is some debate about whether he deserves a spot on the squad for this year’s World Cup.

Some argue that Leckie’s long-standing experience makes him an automatic choice for the team. After all, few other players can match his loyalty and dedication to the cause.

Others maintain that newer, more promising players like Awer Mabil and Martin Boyle deserve a chance in the starting lineup. Moreover, some have questioned whether Leckie is still capable of making an impact at such a high level of competition.

His ability to play multiple positions gives him an added degree of utility for Arnold, but Leckie needs to show that he can still be a game-changing player if he wants to hold onto his spot on the squad.

Maclaren takes a photo with supporters following the match between the Socceroos and NZ

Jamie Maclaren: Melbourne City

Jamie Maclaren is a highly talented striker who has enjoyed tremendous success in the A-League. 

Not only is he one of the top goal scorers in the league, but he has also proven himself to be a consistently strong performer despite facing tough competition.

While Maclaren may have occasionally struggled at the international level, he is undoubtedly an important part of Arnold’s squad and could even be considered a leading contender for a spot on the starting team.

With more competition in the forward positions, however, Maclaren must continue to perform at his best if he hopes to secure his place on the team this time around.

Regardless of whether or not he makes it onto the starting roster, his skills and abilities are sure to make him an asset for the Australian squad as they pursue victory in Qatar.

Grant has reached veteran status but might make the Socceroos squad anyway as injury cover

Rhyan Grant: Sydney FC

Rhyan Grant has long been a fixture at Sydney FC, dominating at right-back and helping the club to consistently win silverware. 

Despite being in his 30s, Grant still remains one of the team’s most reliable players, having shown himself to be both incredibly consistent and dependable.

While it is more likely than not that Grant’s time with the Socceroos is over, due to his age and other options stepping up in recent years, you can never rule anything out in football. 

Nathaniel Atkinson and Fran Karacic have both seen their share of struggles as they challenge for the starting right-back position, leaving some room for a possible return by Grant.

Despite not always living up to expectations last season, Grant has remained an important part of the team due to injury concerns. 

With this in mind, it seems likely that coach Graham Arnold will keep an eye on Grant if injuries hit other key players.

Brimmer has a strong chance of making the World Cup squad with a strong A-League start

Jake Brimmer: Melbourne Victory

Jake Brimmer is a rising star in the world of soccer and has quickly become one of Australia’s most promising players. At just 24 years old, Brimmer took home the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal last season, an award given to the A-League’s best player.

He has been lauded for his dynamic skills on the field and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. 

This year, Brimmer will be playing with Melbourne Victory and joins forces with marquee player Luis Nani, which is sure to elevate his game even further.

With his impressive track record and solid team behind him, many are predicting that this season will be Brimmer’s breakout year. 

Whether he becomes a star on the global stage or simply continues to gain recognition at home in Australia, it seems clear that we have not heard the last of Jake Brimmer.