The most exciting Olyroos side since 1992 is on the cusp of major tournament success, with A-League 2020/21 pivotal to Australia’s medal chances at the Tokyo Olympics. Here’s why.
The Olyroos qualified for the Olympics in sensational fashion last January in Bangkok.
Many of the team's stars were from the A-League.
But the Olyroos’ preparation games were killed off by COVID.
COVID-19 also smashed the Olympics calendar for 2020.
And now, with the Olympics just nine months away, the Olyroos need matches and match fitness.
Olyroos head coach Graham Arnold is desperate for his A-League players to play regular first-team football in the lead-up to Tokyo.
But there is good news.
Many key Olyroos are set to play major roles at their A-League clubs with fewer imports set to start this financially constrained A-League season.
(See Reno Piscopo's bullet goal for the Olyroos below)
"This age group gets hurt more than anyone.
"We have the NYL (National Youth League) that has eight games a season.
"These kids are too old for that, but then they're not deemed good enough to be part of the A-League,” Arnold said after qualifying for the Olympics.
So, with the Tokyo 2021 Olympics set to kick off next July, this A-League season will be crucial.
And with the A-League season ending next June, timing is perfect for preparation.
As long as all Arnold’s key Olyroos play regularly in the A-League, the core of the squad will get to the Tokyo Olympics match fit.
FIVE A-LEAGUE OLYROOS TO WATCH
RENO PISCOPO (WELLINGTON PHOENIX)
Most hopes in Tokyo will be pinned on mercurial A-League attacker Reno Piscopo.
Along with D'Agostino and Daniel Arzani, this could be a very special Olyroos strikeforce.
It was the former Inter Milan junior’s class that helped the Olyroos to qualification last January in Thailand.
Piscopo, from Melbourne, has been on the radar for a while after spending most of his teens in Italy (see video below).
At a Phoenix side now ravaged by attacking losses, Piscopo’s influence will be major this A-League season.
Due to travel restrictions, Piscopo’s Phoenix is currently based in Wollongong.
GEORGE TIMOTHEOU (ADELAIDE UNITED)
The Reds could have a host of Olyroos in Tokyo.
Mo Toure is one.
Another could be new signing Timotheou.
The former Schalke central defender has been around the Olympics squad in recent years.
Debuting in the Bundesliga has put him firmly on the radar.
Now that he’s over his injury and illness issues, could the big center-back add a dash of quality?
A season starting in the A-League will be vital.
AIDEN O'NEILL (MELBOURNE CITY)
The former English Premier League midfielder with Burnley looks set for an influential A-League season.
Since his off-season switch from Brisbane, this key cog in Arnie’s midfield has shown his quality under City coach Patrick Kisnorbo.
The Queenslander is sure to play regularly in the A-League.
TOM GLOVER (MELBOURNE CITY)
The big man has been sensational for City.
The former Spurs youth keeper has firmly established himself in the A-League.
His influential form helped City to the A-League Finals and a Grand Final appearance last season.
He’s Arnie’s number one and another season of regular A-League football will help the Olyroos.
NICK D'AGOSTINO (PERTH GLORY)
D’Agostino remains one of the Olyroos’ most potent threats.
This despite some concerns over his fitness a few months ago from former Glory boss Tony Popovic.
Who could forget D’Agostino's goals in Bangkok as a weakened Olryoos qualified for Tokyo?
New Glory coach Richard Garcia has D’Agostino in his current ACL squad, so he'll miss two Sydney friendlies.
But he’ll be a key player in the ACL and A-League and of course the Olyroos.
A-LEAGUE OLYROOS IN SYDNEY
Related Articles
.jpeg&h=172&w=306&c=1&s=1)
Socceroos prodigy returns to A-League after horror run
Star keeper's exit heralds hero's return at A-League giant
