Socceroos embracing new-look backline for Japan test

Tony Popovic’s teams have always been built around defence.

So it should come as no surprise the new Socceroos boss got straight to work on his backline.

Predecessor Graham Arnold always favoured a back four, regardless of the full-back options available to him.

But a back three always appeared a good option – if someone was willing to test it.

Popovic has done just that, deploying Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar and Thomas Deng – who was replaced by Jason Geria at half-time – as his three central defenders, with Aziz Behich and Lewis Miller on the left and right flanks.

While there were some miscommunications and nervous moments – notably China’s early goal from a mix-up between Deng and Souttar – the pros clearly outweighed the cons.

“I thought we were pretty positive, to be honest with you,” Souttar told AAP.

“I’ve played a back three for a number of seasons a couple of years ago so I’ve really enjoyed the position

“I’ve played middle and to the right as well.

“I thought it worked well. Obviously the midfielders in front of us were really good and always showing for the ball and then we always had options with the two No.10s that were playing

“The more we play together, the more we train together, then the more fluid we’re gonna get, the better we’re gonna become.”

Settling that defence will be crucial ahead of Tuesday’s clash with group leaders Japan in Saitama, with Souttar conceding that Australia will have to get pretty much everything right.

After playing as the central member of the back three against China, Souttar is excited by its potential.

“I’m always trying to look forward with my passes and then I always know if it’s not happening to go forward, I’ve always got the two guys on the side and we can progress the play,” he he said.

Athletic wing-back Miller ran tirelessly down the right all night against China, scoring a goal and winning fouls in dangerous positions with his run and dare.

“For our first game we kept the ball really well and we created a lot of chances and luckily enough in the second half we broke through,” Miller told AAP.

“We’re heading in the right direction and I think the formation, the players will adapt to, because not everyone plays overseas in their clubs or in the A-League plays in that formation

“But I think with the right guidance, which I think we have now, we’ll sort it out.”

Souttar was effusive in his praise for Geria, who shone as the right-sided centre-back.

“He was really, really good. He’s got an opportunity and he’s taken it,” he said.

“That’s what all the boys are trying to do.

“Obviously the boss knows us all but it was first impressions of seeing and working with each other and I thought everyone did really well.”