Popovic has selected a somewhat refreshed more attacking Socceroos squad which has captured the headlines, however his selection of Goalkeeper deserves as much attention.
Ryan, Izzo and Gauci have been selected for these upcoming matches against China and Japan, with all three having featured in past Socceroos Squads.
But the main change in this area is the replacement of Socceroo’s goal keeping coach Crawley with Juric, which points to a potential shakeup in the goalkeeper selection.
Taking a look at Ryan’s claim first, he has been a Socceroos stalwart, captain of the side and featured in over 90 Socceroos matches. His recent move to Roma though has seem him fail to claim any game time which brings into question his match fitness.
Gauci on the other hand has been rising. With only 4 Socceroos caps under his name Gauci nevertheless seems like the choice of the future with the 24 year old sealing a move to Premier League side Aston Villa and managing to feature in cup games this season.
Izzo has yet to make a Socceroos appearance but has been a common selection in squads. The 29 year old enjoyed a much lauded two season sting at Victory before sealing a move to Danish Superleague team Randers where he is the number one pick.
It’s a mixed bunch and somewhat of a headache selection. Do you pick the experienced captain who isn’t playing? The young upcomer with some game time? The competent backup who is first choice at his club?
Our expectation is Popovic will go with Ryan, not just for his experience but as a cultural stabiliser in the post Arnold era.
The Beautiful Game 