City marquee man Aaron Mooy shone in the Green and Gold on Thursday night as the Socceroos continued their World Cup Qualifying campaign with a 7-0 win over Tajikistan.
Mooy was central to his side’s commanding display, delivering dangerous set pieces and supplying an incredible seven shot assists including a goal assist for Nathan Burns’ first goal of the night.
With the Socceroos a point away from qualification to the next round of Asian Qualifying, Mooy said his impressive Club form has had a lot to do with his selection in the national team since the Asian Cup.
“The more you’re playing with your club team and playing well, the confidence comes naturally,” Mooy said.
“It’s the same with the national team. If you’re playing well the confidence builds. It’s a natural thing.
“That’s what you work for and when you’re playing with good players, they can find you in tight spaces. It’s always good playing in the national team.”
This sentiment was echoed by Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou on Thursday night with the former Hyundai A-League Championship winning coach reaffirming that Mooy was the best player in the league “full stop”.
“I know there are other guys scoring goals but what he contributes to his team, his attacking intent and assists. Tonight, it was the same for us,” Postecoglou said.
“The thing is with Aaron is that he’s always dangerous and he works awfully hard. He’s almost an extra attacker when he has the ball. He was really busy tonight. He’s great at the set pieces and I thought tonight he was excellent.
“Him and Mass (Luongo), with the game early on just needed people to break it open and those two broke it open.
Mooy, Alex Wilkinson and the Socceroos travel to Sydney to prepare for Tuesday’s clash with Jordan, meaning the duo will miss out on Monday night’s clash with Wellington at AAMI Park.
City’s squad depth has been the best in the Club’s history at this stage of the season and John van’t Schip will have ample options to replace the Socceroos for Monday’s match.
