René Meulensteen, taking charge of Australia tomorrow, says the team just can’t do without Celtic star Tom Rogic.
Meulensteen, assistant to Graham Arnold, will lead the Socceroos against Vietnam. A former Manchester United coach, and Fulham manager, the Dutchman’s name carries weight in coaching circles. Brought to the Red Devils by Sir Alex Ferguson, Meulensteen has also taken in spells managing Brondby, Anzhi and Maccabi Haifa.
So, he knows a player when he sees one. Graham Arnold, himself full of praise for Celtic midfielder Rogic, will be self-isolating as Australia embark on crucial World Cup Qualifiers. It’d be the Socceroos fourth successive World Cup, should they qualify. Ange Postecoglou, now at Celtic, guided Australia to 2 World Cups, managing them in the 2014 tournament.
While Celtic are without Rogic for some crucial games, our loss is Australia’s gain. And Meulensteen made that abundantly clear as he spoke about the former Central Coast Mariners midfielder, Rogic.
Mueluensteen said [FTBL]: “Both Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy have been in excellent form at club level.
“When you lose both those boys – no matter who you’re playing – it’s going to come at a cost because they have the ability to pick a pass or [most specifically in Rogic’s case] make a run that can unlock defences.
“Having them available again [from injury] gives us more options and boost to our armoury. You’re adding another touch of class and composure to the mix. I think you’ll see how effective they can be on the night.”
René Meulensteen describes exactly what Australia have right now and what Celtic don’t, in the form of Tom Rogic
No doubt, Tom Rogic can change a game, whether it’s for Australia or Celtic.
He’s undoubtedly returned to his best under Ange Postecoglou. While Ange’s two number-10s system with Rogic and Turnbull working alongside each other took a while to get going, the duo found real synergy. That, and Rogic has played out entire matches; something we hadn’t seen a lot of before.
Having been allowed to get surgery and prepare himself properly in the summer, Rogic looks anew. It’s no wonder, then, that Meulensteen is delighted to have him in the form he’s in.
Against a side like Vietnam, you’d expect Tom Rogic to have an absolute field day. With his creativity and technique, he’d be a handful for most international sides.
Unfortunately though, someone has to lose out here, and it is indeed Celtic. However, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate should provide enough creative spark to see us through in Rogic’s absence.
You’d much rather have in your team than not, though. Australia’s gain is our loss for the time being.
Read more: Matt O’Riley brilliantly explains the roles he can play in for Celtic
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
