Player ratings: ‘Outstanding’ new kid on the block justifies shock axing

Tony Popovic left many stunned when he left his Australian captain on the bench, but Mat Ryan’s replacement in goals was one of the many young stars to stand up for their nation when it truly counted.

Patrick Beach made just his third appearance for the Socceroos when he put on the gloves to defeat Turkiye 2-0 on Sunday (AEST), stepping into the role that Ryan has long held.

The 22-year-old was not the only surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, with vice-captain Jackson Irvine also benched to open up the chance for Paul Okon-Engstler to play.

Elsewhere, the imposing Harry Souttar was back to his best after a horror run with injuries, while Mohamed Toure put a tough week behind him.

The display will help silence some of the critics that have been lingering in recent days, especially those backing the Socceroos’ upcoming rivals, the USA.

Wide World of Sports has rated every Socceroos player against Turkiye.

18. Patrick Beach

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A few nervous early clearances but came up with some outstanding saves to keep the Turkish out, fully justifying his inclusion from the start. Rating: 8

3. Alessandro Circati

A rock at the heart of the Socceroos defence. Came up with some huge blocks while being composed in possession. Rating: 7.5

19. Harry Souttar

Led from the back as his physical presence and ability to sense danger frustrated a Turkish team littered with individual quality. He was unlucky not to grab a goal as he saw his powerful header pushed away in the second half after latching onto a corner. Rating: 7.5

21. Cameron Burgess

Defensively solid alongside Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati as he provided a tower of strength at the back for Socceroos. Rating: 7.5

4. Jacob Italiano

Defensively outstanding as he thwarted a dangerous Turkish attack down the flanks. Looked to push forward when the opportunity presented itself. Rating: 8

13. Aiden O’Neill

Provided legs in the midfield as he looked to close the midfield space at every opportunity, holding shape diligently in front of the backline Rating:7

24. Paul Okon-Engstler

Provided the ball for the Socceroos opening goal with a superb ball into space for Irankunda to burst onto. Never stopped running and looked to link play whenever possible. Rating: 7.5

5. Jordan Bos

Was a constant outlet down the left as he looked to inject himself forward whenever possible while defending diligently. Rating: 7.5

17. Nestory Irankunda

Was quite in the opening stages but then burst to life with a fantastic goal latching onto a ball over the top before cutting in between the Turkish defenders and cooly sliding the ball low into the net. Could have grabbed a second just before the interval as he again made room for the shot which he hit straight at Turkish shot-stopper Ugurcan Cakir. Rating: 7.5

8. Connor Metcalfe

Struck with a wonderful second half strike which he buried into the bottom right-hand corner. Some incisive runs saw him get in behind the Turkish backline as he threatened whenever the Socceroos looked to break. Rating: 7

9. Mohamed Toure

Was tidy up front and looked to stretch the Turkish backline whenever possible. Held the ball up well on occasions as he looked to relieve the pressure on the Socceroos defensively. Rating: 6

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23. Nishan Velupillay

Came on as fresh legs but struggled to get on the ball as the Socceroos sat deep and hit on the break. Rating: 5

6. Jason Geria

Came on to help defensively to help Australia see the game out. Rating: 5

26. Tete Yengi

Provided legs up front as the Socceroos looked to protect their lead. Rating: 5