Aziz Behich #16

Profile

Amid a surfeit of loping defenders and towering backline hybrids available to Popovic, Behich zipping down the left is a comforting reminder of diminutive fullbacks of yore. He appears to have put a hamstring injury last year behind him, and his zest for the game and zeal for the contest means he will compete with Jordy Bos to start for the Socceroos in North America. There may be some Euro-centric snobbery among Socceroos fans, but it is a testament to the quality of Behich that he has remained an enduring member of the national team despite choosing to return home to play in the A-League Men in 2023. No player took part in more of the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifiers than Behich, who was also recognised by his peers by being named the PFA’s men's footballer of the year for 2025.

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