EXCLUSIVE:Socceroo veteran Tony Vidmar wants the defensive wannabes in the new-look Australia backline to raise their game when they take on Argentina next week.
The clash with the South American giants at Melbourne Cricket Ground provides those anxious to follow in Vidmar’s shoes a further chance to impress.
But Vidmar admits he’d like to see a settled back line as the Socceroos look towards World Cup qualification.
He said: “Looking at what’s gone the Asian Cup was unknown territory. How we were given the ‘favourites’ tag is beyond me. That was just wrong.
"I think we went there with a squad good enough to do well but it just didn’t happen."
He added: “As for the defence, there’s a little bit of a concern as we’ve not really had a settled defensive line up. That’s something that’s important.
“After the World Cup we had several retirements, predominantly defenders. The next lot of defenders coming through haven’t really stepped up I’d say.
"There’s one or two though. Michael Beauchamp is slowly developing. Twelve months in Germany is definitely going to help him a lot.
"Trying to get the right balance for a coach is not easy and it takes time.”
So as the current crop of internationals prepare to run out at the MCG, is there a twinge of regret from Vidmar that he is no longer available for international duty?
“No. I knew the next day (after his last game) I’d made the right decision," he said.
"I was fortunate to be involved for 16 years, had a lot of good moments, some bad ones and met a lot of good people. It was just time.”
But Vidmar admits he’d like to see a settled back line as the Socceroos look towards World Cup qualification.
He said: “Looking at what’s gone the Asian Cup was unknown territory. How we were given the ‘favourites’ tag is beyond me. That was just wrong.
"I think we went there with a squad good enough to do well but it just didn’t happen."
He added: “As for the defence, there’s a little bit of a concern as we’ve not really had a settled defensive line up. That’s something that’s important.
“After the World Cup we had several retirements, predominantly defenders. The next lot of defenders coming through haven’t really stepped up I’d say.
"There’s one or two though. Michael Beauchamp is slowly developing. Twelve months in Germany is definitely going to help him a lot.
"Trying to get the right balance for a coach is not easy and it takes time.”
So as the current crop of internationals prepare to run out at the MCG, is there a twinge of regret from Vidmar that he is no longer available for international duty?
“No. I knew the next day (after his last game) I’d made the right decision," he said.
"I was fortunate to be involved for 16 years, had a lot of good moments, some bad ones and met a lot of good people. It was just time.”
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