Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has revealed he has been keeping an eye on defensive-midfielder Gianni Stensness to possibly make his international debut.
Former Socceroo Luke Wilshere says that Australia’s poor results in World Cup Qualifying have been due to a lack of “mongrel” and players with a tough mentality.
Arnold believes that Stensness, who plays in Europe for Norwegian side Viking FK, can slot into any position and would be a perfect fit for the Socceroos as an enforcer.
“I’m looking at Gianni Stensness for that role,” Arnold said on SEN’s The Global Game.
“He played that role at the Central Coast Mariners very well and he’s very flexible.
“He plays in any position.
“At the Olympics … he played as a right centre-back in the back three.
“I watched him for two years at the Mariners play as the number six and as an aggressive number six as well.”
After disappointing results in World Cup qualifying, including a 2-2 draw against Oman, former players again questioned whether the hunger and drive was there from the players.
Arnold believes that if Stensness is to debut for the Socceroos, he will bring the passion required at the top level and will inspire his teammates.
“It’s more about the communication and defensive mentality of win at all costs,” he said.
“When you lose the ball, (you must) get back up and chase back and get back into your starting positions defensively.
“The way they lead, talk, and communicate.
“That’s the most important thing.
“They’re all good players and all good people but maybe the nasty side needs to come out.”
The Socceroos' next World Cup qualifier is against Japan on March 24 in Sydney.