Arnold's 'flexible' Socceroos will score goals, says Kruse

Robbie Kruse believes he and other attacking talents have been granted the freedom they need to shine under new Socceroos coach Graham Arnold.

Robbie Kruse Socceroos Graham Arnold

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold Source: Getty Images

Arnold's reign got off to a positive start with a 4-0 thumping of Kuwait last month.

With record goalscorer Tim Cahill (50 goals, 107 caps) and former captain Mile Jedinak (20 goals, 79 caps) out of the picture for next year's AFC Asian Cup, none of Arnold's squad to face Korea Republic in Brisbane on Saturday have scored more than 10 goals for their country.

Tomi Juric, Mathew Leckie and Tom Rogic are the leading scorers in the squad with eight.

Kruse has just five goals for his country from 68 appearances but he says the Kuwait display shows things will be different under Arnold.

"The last World Cup cycle the game was based upon the number nine scoring goals," Kruse said.

"Now we're a lot more flexible in the way we play. We have a structure but we have freedom to express ourselves, to rotate positions.

"Across the front line we're really narrow and we get into goal-scoring positions more than what we used to under previous times. It started perfectly last game and we'll continue that (on Saturday)."

Cyprus-based Apostolos Giannou scored in the Kuwait win but has been left out for the matches against Korea Republic and Lebanon as the quest for a frontline striker continues.

Doubts remain over Juric's commitment to structure without the ball and former Brisbane Roar favourite Jamie Maclaren is expected to be given a start at Suncorp Stadium as Arnold explores his striking options.

Maclaren's Hibernian clubmate Martin Boyle may also get a debut for the Socceroos on Saturday, with his pace and directness hopefully adding another element to Australia's attacking verve.

"Every time we put on the jersey it's the biggest honour but you have to be able to enjoy the moment as well and I think we've really honed in on that in the last few camps," Kruse said.

"It was reflected in the last game in the performance."


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Presented by Justin Sungil Park
Source: AAP

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Arnold's 'flexible' Socceroos will score goals, says Kruse | SBS Korean