Daniel Arzani will begin engineering his potential move to Europe immediately with the Socceroos' rising star set to hold meetings over his future this week.
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The highly-rated 19-year-old will not return home to Australia following the Socceroo's elimination from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, instead travelling straight to London to arrange the next move of his career.
Here’s how we rated the squad.
THE SOCCEROOS' WORLD CUP REPORT CARD
* Bert van Marwijk - B. Didn't get the Australians out of the group but implemented a shrewd game plan and got his unheralded team playing as a cohesive unit, winning plaudits from rivals. His players loved him but it was a brief affair: he now relinquishes the post to Graham Arnold.
* Mat Ryan - A. The goalkeeper played all three games and was an assured performer in all. Had scant chance of saving any of the five goals conceded, and had more touches than any other goalkeeper in Russia. His safe hands, distribution and marshalling of the defensive line were admirable.
* Aziz Behich - B. The left-back started in all three matches and had few anxious moments against some world-renowned stars. Offered some attacking dash as well as resolute defence. His stocks have risen considerably as a result.
* Trent Sainsbury - A. The defensive pillar started all three games and was outstanding, particularly against France. An occasional lapse against Peru notwithstanding, dealt with some of world football's biggest names with confidence and rarely caught out of position.
* Mark Milligan - B. Partnered Sainsbury in central defence and started all three games. After spending most of his Socceroos career as a midfielder, his quality was evident in his defensive posting. Solid, unassuming and resolute.
* Josh Risdon - B. Could just be the answer to Australia's long-term problem position at right-back. Provided some valuable attacking movements, defended stoutly and was unlucky to concede the penalty against France. A move from the A-League beckons.
* Aaron Mooy - A. The glue that held the midfield together and provided Australia's 'Plan A' for a goal when over the dead ball. Starred against France, showed tenacious defensive traits and was always dangerous when looking up for a pass. Reputation enhanced.
* Mile Jedinak - B. Ice-cool temperament from the penalty spot for both of Australia's goals, led from the front with often crunching tackles and didn't put a foot wrong off the pitch. But might the Socceroos have benefited from more mobility in midfield?
* Mathew Leckie - A. Provided much attacking grunt throughout, with a stand-out display against Denmark. Bustling, aggressive and got into dangerous positions; plainly Australia's most dangerous forward.
* Tom Rogic - B. Australia's attacking fulcrum and always threatened when in possession. But struggled to find meaningful time on the ball or unleash any of his trademark thunderbolts. His defensive work shouldn't be underestimated.
* Robbie Kruse - B. The much-maligned winger drew sharp criticism for his output against Denmark but rebounded with a great performance against Peru. Simply never stops working and could have had three assists on another day.
* Andrew Nabbout - C. Started against France and Demark as the frontman before dislocating a shoulder and missing the last game. Busted a gut with his run and defensive pressure but rarely found himself on the ball with a chance to score.
* Tomi Juric - D. A second-half substitute for Nabbout against France and Denmark before an ineffective start against Peru. Troubled by a knee injury, left Russia a frustrated man, wondering what might have been.
* Daniel Arzani - B. The youngest player at the tournament came off the bench late against France, dazzled against Denmark when brought on and lashed a volley over the bar against Peru. Didn't land his punches but surely a Socceroos linchpin for a decade to come.
* Jackson Irvine - B. A substitute in all three matches and provided spark in those limited minutes. Looked comfortable on his World Cup debut but would have liked more time in the spotlight rather than cameo appearances.
* Tim Cahill - C. Cahill's absence threatened to overshadow the Socceroos' performance but got his moment against Peru. The legend couldn't carve out a clear-cut chance for a record-setting goal, and will leave Russia disappointed, and potentially retired.
* Unused players: Brad Jones, Danny Vukovic, Milos Degenek, Matthew Jurman, James Meredith, Massimo Luongo, Jamie Maclaren, Dimitri Petratos.
Australian Associated Press
