Ever since Australia reached the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup, more and more players from that part of the world have chosen to make the move to Europe with a constant flow of talent finding their way to British shores. Of the current squad, a total of 16 players are representing clubs in Europe, with only three members of Bert van Marwijk's squad playing back home in the A-League. Such a small number highlights the ambition which is being shown by Australian players, as well as clubs showing a willingness to take a risk on players who may cost less in the transfer market. Australia matched France all the way in their World Cup opener last weekend and it has thrown up the possibility of players not only featuring in Europe, but achieving the Holy Grail of a place in English football.
Just like you must make sure to use a legal betting site when in Australia, any players contemplating the switch from one side of the world to another will weigh up the pros and cons of trying to maximise the experience and wages from a short career and there will no doubt be opportunities for a number of players who are currently showcasing their ability on the biggest sporting stage in the world.
Established players
Only two outfield players from Australia's current squad are 31 or above and it means that Mathew Leckie is seen as one of the senior men in the group at the age of 27. Leckie - who started on the flank against Les Bleus - has eight goals from 54 matches for his country and has spent the last six years of his career making a name for himself in German football, with successful spells coming at FSV Frankfurt, FC Ingolstadt and Hertha Berlin. During the most recent campaign, Leckie contributed five goals and an assist from 26 appearances for Hertha in the Bundesliga but the wideman was only given a bit-part role. Leckie still has three years remaining on his contract but do not be surprised to see a high-end Championship club or a low-end Premier League team take a chance on him.
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Tomi Juric - currently of Swiss outfit Luzern - is another player who could be well-suited to English football. The 26-year-old was only a substitute against France but his qualities were obvious when being introduced off the bench. At six feet three inches, Juric could be the perfect target man for any club featuring in the Championship and although a return of 15 strikes from 57 matches in Switzerland's top flight is nothing to shout about, Juric brings more to the table than just goals. Just a year remains on his contract so it may be time for Luzern to cash in on the player.
Taking a risk
While a number of established players could become available, there are some members of the Australia squad which are unproven and that is the case with Trent Sainsbury. The 26-year-old has found himself in limbo over the past year after falling out of favour at Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning. It has resulted in one appearance - as a substitute - being made on loan at Inter Milan and a further nine outings coming in a similar spell at Swiss side Grasshoppers Zurich. With less than six months left on his contract, this is Sainsbury's shop window and his agent has revealed that five teams - including two from England - have already made contact.
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Andrew Nabbout is another player who is contracted to a team playing in Asia - Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds - and the 25-year-old has only been there for a matter of months. However, a change in coach and a failure to gain regular action means that the possibility of another transfer remains. The forward looked a bit raw when being given the responsibility of playing in the lone-striker role against two of European football's best defenders in Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane, but Nabbout was a willing runner and the experience will only benefit him in the future. A middle-range Championship side may see the value of making an approach after the World Cup.
One for the future?
Rather than introduce veteran Tim Cahill against France, Van Marwijk instead opted for 19-year-old midfielder Daniel Arzani, who was making just his third international outing. There are high hopes for the youngster who has just been named in the A_League team of the season after impressing for Melbourne City and it is a case of when - not if - regarding a future move to Europe. This summer may be too soon for the attacker - who is sponsored by global brand Nike, but do not be surprised if an English club make an investment with the acquisition of Arzani.
