13 Jun Jedinak’s leadership warrants World Cup starting berth: Kennedy

Former Socceroos striker Josh Kennedy says Mile Jedinak is the only proven leader within Australia’s World Cup squad which should warrant him a starting berth.

Jedinak failed to earn a start in both the Socceroos’ two friendly matches against Czech Republic and Hungary, after arriving late to camp following Aston Villa’s run to the Championship play-off final.

Kennedy believes the performances of Australia’s captain in the crunch World Cup do-or-die matches against Honduras should be taken into consideration by Bert van Marwijk when he selects his team for the Socceroos’ cup opener against France.

“In my opinion after his heroics after that qualification game against Honduras scoring three goals, he took all that pressure on his shoulders himself,” he told SEN’s Road to Russia.

“He stood high and mighty, I know he came into camp a little bit late from that Championship play-off in England, but I can’t see anyone else wearing the armband.

“I know Trent Sainsbury’s in the mix and I know he's done the press conferences, but for me he’s (Jedinak’s) a proven captain amongst this Socceroos group.

“Pretty much every player in that squad knows Mile as their captain, they’ve gone into battle with him before in the qualification process, they know what he’s about and they know he’s a leader on the pitch.

“I just can’t see anyone carrying the armband like he can.

“The only thing that goes against him if he doesn’t start the game, if he’s not in Bert van Marwijk’s starting eleven then it’s hard to give someone the armband and sit on the bench.

“Mile is the spiritual, or the true captain for me. With that experience, his leadership qualities, he’s proven on and off the pitch and he’s a leader – that’s what these boys need – a leader.”

Van Marwijk faces a number of selection dilemmas heading into the clash against Les Bleus, most notably in the heart of the defence.

Utility Mark Milligan partnered Trent Sainsbury at the back in the two recent friendly hit-outs, but Kennedy isn’t convinced that Milligan is the answer to fill that important defensive void.

“I’m not sure where he (Milligan) fits in in this Socceroos squad,” he said.

“He’s a jack of all trades, but I don’t think he’s quick enough and he doesn’t have the physical capabilities to play as a centre-back.

“If he was going to play anywhere it would be in that central holding midfield position.”

Source: SEN Football