Craig Goodwin

Okay, Aziz Behich has made left back his own in recent times (in either a 442 or 3241 system) so there’s not much space for anyone else, but jeez, Goodwin is going well at Sparta Rotterdam. The Dutch league is a strong technical league one tier below the very best in Europe and Goodwin has been doing pretty well. He’s a fast, direct winger who knows where the goals are but can also defend strongly. With Alex Gersbach, he’s a strong alternative to the incumbent, and definitely one to watch. On the plane to Russia? 8/10

Thomas Deng

I did say this was mainly about goal scorers and makers but Deng has been outstanding this season. He’s strong in the air, strong in the tackle, and has a very good passing range – long and short. He reminds me of a young Trent Sainsbury but, while he is capable of genius, is also prone to some incredible errors. I don’t entirely trust him just yet, but he will be a Socceroo in a year or two. On the plane to Russia? 5/10

Joey Champness

Already some will be hooting with derision, given the meagre handful of games this fellow has played. Thing is, he’s a bloody good footballer already and only going to get better. Tall, fast, strong, with an accurate eye for goal – he’s already playing beyond his years and will certainly be in the squad when the next evolution kicks in. Maybe just in time for the 2019 Asian Cup? On the plane to Russia? 4/10

Adam Taggart

Started the current A-League season like a house on fire, but then the fire engines zoomed into view with lights flashing and all bells clanging…and Taggart’s fire went out. This guy gets into great positions and can certainly finish but needs to add some consistency to his game. Reminds me a bit of Tomi Juric – has the ability but very hot and cold. On the plane to Russia? 5/10

Riley McGree

Has already been picked in the squad once or twice but seems to have gone to ground since he went to Club Brugge on a four year deal. To the best of my knowledge he’s yet to play for Brugge – don’t know whether he’s injured – but he has ability. Only 19 but needs to be playing regularly to be a serious option. On the plane to Russia? 4/10

Bernie Ibini

A player with a load of talent, Bernie has one Socceroos cap (a friendly against UAE) to his credit. Very fast and direct, and can hit the ball like a thunderbolt. Currently playing for Vancouver in the MLS. Has only one goal in 13 appearances (according to Wikipedia) but I remember him as a dynamic player who can beat defenders and scores important goals in big games. On the plane to Russia? 5/10

Awer Mabil

Has been in and around the squad a couple of times but yet to crack it for game time. Currently playing for Pacos de Ferreira (Portugal) on loan from Midtjylland in the Danish League, Mabil is a pacey and tricky winger but, like McGree needs to do a bit more at club level to really press his case. Has the ability to unlock defences and very likely to be a Socceroo eventually. On the plane to Russia? 6/10