The mercurial Harry Kewell in action for the Socceroos Photo:T-Oh! & Matt
Only a few years ago Harry Kewell’s name was first on the Socceroos team sheet but age, fluctuations in form and a changing of generations in the Socceroos set up have seen Kewell not represent the green and gold since 2012.
However there’s been a return to something akin to the sparkling form that has previously marked him as one of Australia’s greatest football legends of all time. The timing has coincided with injuries and indifferent form of some current Socceroos, potentially opening the door for Kewell to be considered by Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou in booking Kewell a seat on the flight to Brazil for the World Cup.
The value that a player of Kewell’s experience and class could add to a squad that will arguably face the most difficult group in the 2014 World Cup is immeasurable. His performance against Sydney FC in round 17 showed the leadership and drive that may tempt Postecoglou to give Kewell the swan song his career deserves.
Down a goal and a man, Kewell had a great captain’s night against FC by leading the Melbourne Heart to a hard fought 2-1 win at home over their more fancied opponents. The main highlight was the role he played in the build up to David Williams’ winning goal.
Until the Socceroos World Cup squad is announced, debate will rage over whether or not Harry Kewell can, should or will be picked to samba over to Brazil and face the world’s best.
One thing that is for certain is that his recent performances have him in everyone’s spotlight and his experience at the highest levels of football may just give him the edge in the selection process.
