Bresciano Should Go to Brazil

It has been over a week since Mark Bresciano has been given the approval to play in this year’s World Cup for Australia and that is great news.

Some Socceroo fans don’t want him in the team because of his age but the 33-year-old can still be a vital contributor to Ange Postecoglou’s team.

Most of the unnecessary veterans have been shafted and there is a younger look to the Socceroos under Postecoglou.

As great as it is to see young players given a go, Australia does not have a genuine star in midfield anymore.

Despite his age, at least Bresciano can claim to have played in Italy’s Serie A, a league known for teams possessing great tactical awareness. His knowledge in certain matchday scenarios would be of great use to the younger generation.

In recent internationals, Bresciano is having a career revival as a withdrawn playmaker, basically operating in the same role Andrea Pirlo does for Juventus and Italy.

‘Bresh’ can receive the ball in space and from deep positions, allowing him the time to place the right pass to a teammate.

He may not have the stamina that he had in the past but when he plays for Australia, he does not play poorly and doesn’t look like a spent force.

Tim Cahill is another veteran who should go to Brazil 2014 but his characteristics are different to Bresciano’s. He would probably be better off as a super-sub and try and sneak in a few goals in that manner.

Bresciano is one the few veterans that should be a starter in the Australian national team. Postecoglou has said that the midfielder won’t be a guaranteed selection for the World Cup in Brazil, which is understandable. If he is damaged goods, why bring him?

The thing is that Bresciano is not damaged goods but a player who can still be a vital contributor for Australia.

It’s great to see players like Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, James Troisi and Mitch Nichols emerge but if they can have ‘Bresh’ by their side, his presence will be to their advantage, not disadvantage.