Melbourne Victory midfielder Mitch Nichols has quickly asserted himself as a premier player in the A-League, launching himself into consideration for a spot in Ange Postecoglou’s World Cup squad.
Capable of playing as either a number ten or as a false nine, ideal to Postecoglou’s structure, the midfielder seems to be hitting form at the right time of year, even attracting international attention from a J-League side.
Having earned four senior appearances for the Socceroos, the creative midfielder has since become one of the hottest prospects in Australian football after a scintillating season with Melbourne Victory thus far, strongly presenting his case for a spot on the plane to Brazil.
Selection for Nichols looks a likely proposition, with question marks surrounding the Socceroos current attacking midfield options.
Brett Holman, a shining light for the Socceroos over the past few years has almost completely dropped off the radar after his move to the UAE, a league which hardly reflects his talent.
With young Tommy Rogic struggling for game time at Celtic Park and Mark Bresciano unavailable until March, a call-up for the in-form Nichols may be just what the Socceroos are missing.
Veteran Tim Cahill looks set to play in a more advanced position in the Socceroos set-up, with Nichols along with Dario Vidosic of FC Sion [Switzerland] seemingly set to battle it out for selection for the role behind the striker.
It’s no secret however that Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou admires the talent and qualities the 24-year-old brings to the park.
After winning two championships under Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar, Nichols became his first signing this season in his tenure at Melbourne Victory.
The creative midfielder has since relished his opportunity in Melbourne, earning many admirers along the way.
Nichols has gone on to score three goals and set up five in 12 appearances for the Victory this season, whilst proving himself as the pivotal false nine cog in the works which was so notably absent from Victory’s system last season.
Week-by-week, the midfielder is constantly improving his chances of becoming a local candidate for the World Cup, with a move to J-League side Cerezo Osaka previously on the cards.
Cerezo finished fourth in last seasons competition and a transfer to the biggest and arguably the best league in Asia will surely boost Nichols credentials heading into this year’s World Cup.
Despite the potential, the deal was declined by Melbourne who were displeased with the Japanese club’s measly offering of $200 000 for one the A-League’s best.
Victory have proven to be notoriously stubborn when it comes to releasing their best players, most recently rejecting a $1.5 million offer from English Premier League outfit Crystal Palace for captain Mark Milligan during the off-season.
The 24-year-old Nichols has nevertheless proven himself as one of Australia’s most in form young footballers, something which an ageing Socceroos will no doubt require heading into the World Cup.
With Postecoglou a known advocate of promoting the growth of younger players, expect the coach to be keeping an incredibly close eye on Nichols heading into both the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Asian Cup.