MCGREE AIMS HIGH
Socceroos midfielder looks to take game to next level
Star midfielder Riley McGree has returned from a foot injury that threatened his Asian Cup participation with a new “outlook” on a Socceroos career set to blossom as he enters his prime as game-breaker for the national team.
McGree, 25, is pushing for a recall to Australia’s starting team for Thursday night’s battle with Syria in Doha after an impressive second-half cameo off the bench in the Socceroos’ 2-0 weekend win over India.
The Middlesbrough man injected energy and excitement into the Socceroos’ attacking third, with his performance including the setting up of Australia’s second and matchsealing goal scored by fellow substitute Jordan Bos.
And while it was a display that could lead to him forcing his way back into the Socceroos’ starting 11, McGree is just happy to play whatever role that’s required of him after fearing he would miss the tournament because of the foot injury he suffered playing for Boro in early October.
“I’ve come back with maybe a little bit of a different outlook on the opportunity, and not take anything for granted,” McGree said.
“In the moment when you’re not injured you don’t really think about it, but when you come out and come away from it, you change your perspective.
“I’m just very grateful to be out there, and I’m very grateful to be able to have the opportunity to play for my country.
“I feel ready and willing to contribute in any which way I’m required if that be starting or off the bench again – I’m more than ready.”
In the absence of retired pair
Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic, and Ajdin Hrustic, who wasn’t selected in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad due to a lack of football at club level, McGree is the closest thing Australia has to a genuine playmaker of “No. 10”.
While his style is different to silky trio Mooy, Rogic and Hrustic, McGree has the ability to break a game open with his aggression and by running at players and taking them on in one-on-one situations.
He showed that in the way he provided the assist for Bos’ goal against India when he took on the defence, got to the byline and cut the ball back into the path of the former Melbourne City prodigy.
“Taking risks is a part of football, and without risk-taking, the end product is going to be hard to find,” McGree said.
“We all have the opportunity as a team to push forward. In some games other players are going to push more than some, and some are going to bring different aspects and everyone’s going to be needed along this journey if we are going to be successful.
“It’s about everyone standing up and taking the right opportunity they’re given.”