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Graham Arnold continues to catch flak in the Australian footballing circles and Harry Kewell has joined the head coach’s detractors list, questioning his squad selection.
There are notable absentees from the 26-man squad announced. Moreover, the bulk of the players plies their trade in the lesser-known European leagues. Barring Aaron Mooy at Celtic, Arnold, the team does not have members exciting fans.
In addition, there is the notable exclusion of Tom Rogic from the travelling squad. The West Brom number 7 has struggled for fitness at Hawthorns after leaving the Bhoys earlier this summer.
With Rogic taking his time before joining West Brom on a free transfer in September, Arnold’s decision is justified. Moreover, his prior performances in Australian gold merited a call-up when the Socceroos have a tough qualifying group.
Harry Kewell has first-hand knowledge about Tom’s qualities during their time at Celtic where he is an assistant to Ange Postecoglou. The Australia great opined that given the test awaiting them in Qatar, Arnold should have picked the 53-time-capped midfielder.
He admits that Rogic’s own actions are behind his exclusion from the national team setup but his presence would have aided them more than hurt them.
“Do I believe he’s picked the strongest squad?” Kewell asked himself rhetorically while speaking to the Australian outlet SBS. “No. I think he’s missed one or two key players, which is a shame. But he’s on the ground and is there 24/7. He knows exactly what he needs in his team to make this a successful World Cup attempt.
Where’s Harry Kewell? Where’s Tim Cahill? Where’s Viduka?
You guys aren’t serious https://t.co/oGaQ236VwO— Dalitso Ucey (@RealDalitso) November 8, 2022
Rogic master of his own demise
“I hope he’s got it right. I just would have liked to have seen the likes of Tommy Rogic in there. I know Tom hasn’t done the right thing in his career by getting a club earlier, just kind of waiting and drifting it out before the last minute he’s got a club. I still would’ve liked to have seen him go because he could have been the difference.
“It’s going to be huge because we’ll be using a lot of our energy in the defensive part of the game. You need fresh legs and someone to hold the ball up, drive the ball, drop the shoulder and get past someone one, allow the back line to get up and give Matty Ryan that little bit of space. He [Rogic] is the player that can do that.
“Don’t get me wrong, there are other players in the squad like Boyle, Mabil and Duke who can all hold it up. But when you have a class player like Tommy Rogic, he could have been the difference in maybe the last 15 minutes in a game.”
To his credit, the 59-year-old coach did try to reach out to Rogic but was left on read by the care-free defender. With Arnold leaving after the tournament, Rogic can still be a part of Football Australia’s future plans.
Graham Arnold explains why Tom Rogic wasn't selected in the @Socceroos 26-man squad for the @FIFAWorldCup – Full squad details on @SBSSportau 👉 https://t.co/HdnBe5sFkm pic.twitter.com/S1CxGRuif8
— Adrian Arciuli (@Adrian_Arciuli) November 8, 2022
However, it beckons the question of whether he still harbours ambitions for them. Rogic preferred to stay away from football and did not answer any offers of engagement from Arnold. As he turns 30 in December, will he have the energy and motivation to make the long journeys for international commitments?
Moreover, the A-League factory has produced several youth prospects who will be reaching their prime for the next edition in North America. Rogic will have greater competition for his ticket. If he does not have the desire, will it be worth the time and effort?
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