Melbourne Victory legend Archie Thompson has praised the job departing Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk has done considering the circumstances when he was appointed.
Van Marwijk was named as Australia’s coach in late January after the shock resignation of Ange Postecoglou shortly after securing qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
Under the astute Dutchman, the Socceroos held their own in Russia, but failed to secure that elusive win, with their hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16 extinguished last night against Peru.
The improvement of certain players within the Australian squad was noticeable under the former Netherlands boss.
“I’ve got to take my hat off to what Van Marwijk’s done in such a short space of time that he has had with the team,” Thompson told SEN Afternoons.
“To be able to be competitive and get some of those players who I actually didn’t think would be World Cup players.
“For instance: Josh Risdon, I thought he was outstanding. I thought he probably wouldn’t have even played a minute in this campaign.
“He’s been awesome.”
Van Marwijk’s brief stint as the Socceroos boss has come to an end, with former Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC Graham Arnold set to take the reins long term.
Listen to Archie Thompson's chat on SEN Afternoons with Andy Maher in the player below