‘There’s no point’: Schwarzer’s fear for Socceroos eyeing big moves

Socceroos legend Mark Schwarzer has urged Australia’s national team players to prioritise consistent playing time over big-club prestige when making their next career moves.

Speaking on Stan Sport’s Added Time, Schwarzer highlighted the squad’s young core, arguing that while they should look abroad to hasten their development after their World Cup run, they must avoid the trap of warming the bench.

“I think for every one of the players, the key is they go to a club where they’re gonna play. They have an opportunity to play and develop,” said Schwarzer.

“There’s no point going to the biggest clubs in the world if you’re not gonna play, if you’re just gonna be a number within their system. You need to be someone who’s has a genuine opportunity to play in that level.

“Game time is so invaluable. And for development of players...when you look at Lucas Herrington, he’s 18 years old. This kid has been playing men’s football for a number of years now and shown at a World Cup that he can hold his own.

“Is he good enough to go into a Barcelona side right now? No, probably not. But is he able to go to a top division team in Europe? Absolutely.”

Beyond just securing minutes, Schwarzer argued that players must find teams whose tactical setups align with their personal strengths.

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“What that team is, that’s the key, right? What type of football do they play? It has to suit the players that we have as well,” Schwarzer added.

“Their style of football, what their strengths are and what their weaknesses are.”

Speaking specifically on goalkeeper Patrick Beach, who became a breakout star for Australia in the tournament, Schwarzer emphasised that the youngster simply needs to be playing every week.

“For Patrick Beach, it’s about playing each week,” he explained.

“If there’s a choice between a club in the top division and a second division... the top division is (going) as the number two and the second division’s got a chance to go as the number one.

“For me, he’s got to go to the second division team to play. He’s got to play every week.

“And from that, trust your ability. Believe in your ability that you’re going to play well enough at that level that there’s going to be a number of clubs that want to sign you off the back of that because you’ve played so well at that level.

“That for me is key. That’s really important.”