78-Cap Socceroo Thrives in New Role: ‘A Revelation, Much Like Wayne Rooney!’

In this week’s edition of Total A-Leagues, former Socceroo Tommy Oar has praised the talents of Melbourne City’s Mathew Leckie following an impressive performance in the Melbourne Derby.

The Melbourne Derby served as a brilliant showcase for Mathew Leckie’s exceptional skills.

While injuries have limited the Socceroo’s influence over the past year, last week’s thrilling encounter against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park underscored his vital role in Melbourne City and what he can still contribute to the national side.

The 34-year-old delivered a masterclass, demonstrating his versatility beyond the forward role that has earned him 78 caps with the Subway Socceroos. His clever dummy set up Marco Tilio’s first goal, while his movement and awareness created mayhem on the field.

He also excels in areas that often go unnoticed, such as retreating into his own penalty area to disrupt the opposition’s play.

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Now back to full fitness and firing on all cylinders for Aurelio Vidmar’s City, the former Borussia Monchengladbach and Hertha Berlin forward is elevating the Championship contenders to “new heights,” according to retired Socceroo and former A-Leagues star Tommy Oar.

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“Matt Leckie has been playing significantly in midfield, which is not typically where we expect to see him, but he’s been an absolute revelation in that role,” Oar remarked on this week’s Total A-Leagues show.

“I believe he’s wildly underrated every time he has possession. He’s incredibly secure with the ball, and his strength and driving force made it very challenging for the Melbourne Victory midfielders to contain him.”

“His presence allows players like Marco Tilio more time and space to shine, and with him and Tilio back in the fold, it’s certainly elevated the performance of the younger players, who have done very well on their own.”

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Oar continued: “It’s Leckie’s tactical intelligence that really stands out.

“He is incredibly aware of his surroundings and possesses a high level of football intelligence. Combine that with his physical attributes, and he really is a powerful presence on the pitch.

“No one wants to face him because he’s so quick and strong. Even on the rare occasion that he miscontrols the ball, which doesn’t happen often, he can still protect it and push opponents away.

“His skill set is so well-rounded that he could play in virtually any position on the field.”

“When discussing overseas players in various leagues, you see similarities with top-tier talents like Wayne Rooney, who could excel in any position due to their versatile attributes.”

“I believe Matt Leckie certainly belongs in that elite category.”

As City prepares for their clash against Wellington Phoenix on Friday, head coach Aurelio Vidmar remarked to the media: “If his body can withstand the demands, I reckon he’s the top player in the league, without a doubt.

“We witnessed that on Saturday night. He rarely turns over possession, is always engaged in physical battles, and when the team needs someone to hold up the play, he’s the man for the job. He can create opportunities for himself and is always in the thick of it.

“We understand how valuable he is, and he’s also crucial for the Socceroos.”