Even better, the appointment was just short term, to achieve a particular task. It would have been unfairly disruptive to wrench Arnie out of Sydney FC at this point, although if you look at recent results – maybe they have been disrupted by all the speculation surrounding him?

The rest of the league will be crying tears of blood for Sydney.

But back to van Marwijk. I started to be a little concerned when he was so (apparently) dismissive of our league and domestic players. It looked like Pim Verbeek all over again and as I started to bridle, was forced to remind myself that Verbeek was actually pretty successful.

We qualified easily under Pim and only missed out on progression in South Africa on goal difference after getting thrashed by Germany – the same Germany that also thrashed England and Argentina.

So another pragmatic, results-driven Dutchman is clearly what the FFA want – and I guess that’s fine, but why are they always so surly? Ange wasn’t surly. He was always very cheery, happy to be interviewed and always keen to share his thinking – at least on Australian Story.

On reflection, it strikes me there may have been some clogs under the bed somewhere in Ange’s lineage.

But back to Van Marwijk.

I’m troubled by the squad he’s picked. For a start, the defence picks itself. Whether he wants three at the back or four (I’m guessing four in a 4-2-3-1 system), the guys who did the job for Ange will be going to Russia. That means Ryan plus two others; Trent Sainsbury, Matt Jurman, Bailey Wright, Aziz Behich plus three others.

I’m not worried about the defence, especially as both Mark Milligan and Mile Jedinak can fill in there if needed. It’s the attack that concerns me. Let’s assume Millsy and Jedi are in the team, so that makes 12, with 11 more spots for the other midfielders and strikers.

There will definitely be spots for Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, Massimo Luongo, Tim Cahill and Jackson Irvine. That means there are six spots left for midfielders and strikers. Who is going to score (or set up) the goals we’ll need to get out of the group.

Robbie Kruse? Mathew Leckie? Jamie MacLaren? Tomi Juric?

For me, there are few more frustrating players than Kruse. Yes, he’s got pace, but his first touch is rubbish. If he could just control the football he’d be…well, he’d be a footballer.

Juric is another frustration. Does some great things but lots of dumb things also – and the sitters he’s missed! You can’t miss chances from a metre out and go on getting picked in international sides. A bit slow for a striker also. Like Kruse, if he was more consistent he’d be a very decent player.

Leckie is (apparently) doing well at Hertha Berlin and I think his performances for the Socceroos have been on the upswing, so let’s say he gets a shirt. My jury is still out on Maclaren. Two great years for Brisbane but has done little overseas yet. Really needs to kick it up a gear – not least as I don’t think there’s much difference between the A-League and the SPL.

So Leckie’s in – five spots left. Josh Brillante has had an exceptional year for Sydney. He’s the sort of player that many fans don’t really notice because he’s in the engine room, doing the dirty work with not many frills (except his long range passing and shooting). 

He’s a bit like Aaron Mooy was at Melbourne City – great statistics on effective tackles, completed passes and ground covered. He deserves to be picked (and might go to another level surrounded by such quality players) but does he offer much difference from Mooy, Luongo, Irvine and Milligan?

It’s attackers we need. Players who can prise open defences and this is where I start to get annoyed with van Marwijk. I’m very pleased he’s picked Dimi Petratos and Andrew Nabbout in the initial 29, but what are their chances of truly going to Russia? I would certainly take both of them because they have something other Australian attackers do not. Pace combined with skill combined with artistry and vision. Those two forged a genuine goal-generating relationship at Newcastle and that same relationship could help the Socceroos - especially when blending with better players.

Three spots left. I haven’t mentioned James Troisi yet. He’s improved lately but he’s had an indifferent year for Victory – time to look to the future. That’s why I was disappointed to see no Chris Ikonomidis or Daniel Arzani in the squad. Disappointed for Danny De Silva also but he’s not had anything like the recent impact he had at the start of the A-League season.

Not picking Arzani is madness. Yes, he’s only played a handful of games but any half-decent judge needs to take just one look at that kid. The boy can play and can you imagine what it would be like to see him running off the likes of Mooy, Rogic, Petratos and Nabbout? I’m feeling genuinely ripped off that we’re not going to see that in Russia. Hopefully Arnie has a quiet word to reassure the lad he’s in his plans for the Asian Cup because if Iran step in and pick him for Russia I’ll be screaming.

I guess we have to take Juric, so that leaves two more places.

Nikita Rukavytsya? Another Kruse type with heaps of pace and no touch. Just underscores the tragedy of no Arzani or Ikonomidis. It’ll be two out of MacLaren, Ruka, Troisi and Kruse. At least I hope so because if he takes all four it means no Petratos and Nabbout, and if they don’t get picked I’m just gonna give up and go for…I dunno…Iceland?

I get the need for pragmatism but I firmly believe that picking someone like Arzani is pragmatic. Who else have we got that can so consistently pick open defences. Hopefully Arnie will bring a very fresh broom for the Asian Cup.

Adrian’s latest book The Fighting Man is in the shops right now or available through Booktopia. Adrian also wrote Mr Cleansheets.