As Hayden Matthews, Harry Souttar, and Alessandro Circati find themselves out of action ahead of this month’s qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the pressing question remains: who stands out as the most in-form centre-back available for the Subway Socceroos in the Isuzu UTE A-League?
This question was raised during this week’s Total A-Leagues episode, reflecting on the Socceroos’ injury crisis at centre-back just as crucial World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia (March 20) and China (March 25) approach.
Matthews, a product of the A-Leagues, will be unavailable for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury that has cut short his promising stint with Portsmouth in the EFL Championship. Meanwhile, regulars Souttar (Sheffield United) and Circati (Parma) are both in the recovery phase from significant injuries.
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With the depth chart for centre-backs thinned due to injuries, Total A-Leagues host and Sydney Morning Herald journalist Vince Rugari sought to identify the top candidate for selection from the A-Leagues, highlighting the players who have been introduced to the national setup by Popovic, including Matthews (then with Sydney FC), Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory), and Luke Brattan (Macarthur Bulls).
Retired Socceroo Tommy Oar advocated for Adelaide United’s up-and-coming talent Panagiotis Kikianis, who played a pivotal role in securing the Young Socceroos’ first-ever AFC Under-20 Asian Cup title in China last week.
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“Kikianis is the one,” Oar asserted. “His contribution to the Young Socceroos’ tournament victory was indispensable, and he’s been a key figure in Adelaide’s success this season.”
“He’s still quite young. From that standpoint, much like how Matthews was introduced to the Socceroos, I sincerely hope to see him get his chance.”
Kikianis has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in the current Isuzu UTE A-League season, alongside 17-year-old rising star Dylan Leonard from Western United.
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After penning a groundbreaking five-year contract with the Reds for the 2024-25 season, Kikianis is leading the latest group of promising talents from Adelaide United.
A modern defender with a capability to advance and carry the ball out from the back, Kikianis has been instrumental in Adelaide’s title challenge this season.
“I completely agree,” Rugari remarked. “Discussing this beforehand, it’s apparent that the depth isn’t what it used to be, which is perfectly fine. I’m more inclined to support Kikianis, even though Leonard is also a fantastic option.”
“If Popa chooses him for the next squad, it wouldn’t catch me off guard, though I would be somewhat surprised if he were to throw him in as he did with Matthews, albeit that worked out well. I reckon it’s best to include him in the squad and let the more experienced players handle these vital matches, while he clearly represents a future asset.”
“He’s got the experience, having just won a title with the U20 national side. I believe he’s definitely worth a shot.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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