Former Socceroos striker Archie Thompson would like to see Perth Glory attacker Chris Ikonomidis replace Jamie Maclaren up front for tonight’s crunch Asian Cup match against Palestine.
After suffering a shock 1-0 loss to Jordan in their opening group game, Graham Arnold’s side are now in a must-win scenario to keep their flickering Asian Cup defence alive.
Thompson says Ikonomidis’ movement is what’s required with the Palestinians likely to approach the game in an ultra-defensive manner.
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“I would like to see Ikonomidis get a start,” Thompson told SEN Drive.
“I know he plays wide for Perth (Glory) but I know that he can play central. He’s an intelligent player who can make runs in behind, but he can also bring others into the game.
“I think with Maclaren he’s a little one-dimensional where he just likes to get in behind and when you’re playing against teams that drop off, defend and almost park the bus, there’s not much space in behind.
“I think for an impact player Maclaren is that type of player.
“Palestine are going to come out and park the bus and it’s just a matter of us having composure, which I don’t think we had in the first game.”
Ikonomidis, 23, came on as a 55th minute substitue in Australia's upset defeat to Jordan, replacing winger Robbie Kruse.
Australia’s match against Palestine will take place at 10pm AEDST tonight from the Rashid Stadium in Dubai.