After Trevor Morgan named his 23-man squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ tournament, we take a closer look at the players selected.
The squad is predominantly comprised of talent from the Isuzu UTE A-League with 17 players, while the remaining six players hail from European clubs.
Australia has been drawn into Group A and will kick off its campaign against Kyrgyz Republic (12 February), before facing Qatar (15 February) and then take on hosts China PR (18 February).
The tournament serves as qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ and will see the top four teams (semi-finalists) advance to the U-20 showpiece FIFA event.
There are four players each from Adelaide United and Macarthur FC, while three ply their trade at Perth Glory with several enjoying strong seasons in the A-League.
Goalkeepers
Morgan has selected three goalkeepers in Steven Hall, Alexander Robinson and Gus Hoefsloot. Hall has played two Premier League 2 matches for Brighton & Hove Albion U21, while Robinson has served as Macarthur’s number two behind Filip Kurto this season. Hoefsloot, 18, is the youngest of the trio and is in the first team with Sydney FC on a scholarship contract.
Defenders
Towering centre-back Sebastian Esposito is having an impressive season in Italy with Lecce’s U20 side. The imposing defender has accumulated 20 appearances in the Primavera 1 competition, captaining the team at times and even scoring against Milan Primavera.
At just 17, Brisbane Roar’s Lucas Herrington is the second-youngest member in Morgan’s squad. The central defender is highly regarded and has already played eight Isuzu UTE A-League games, while scoring against Sydney FC.
Versatile defender Joshua Inserra from Melbourne Victory also features, having been a part of the team which qualified for the tournament and has been a regular with seven caps at this level.
Panagiotis Kikianis has enjoyed an excellent season with Adelaide United this season, starting all 14 matches for the Reds in the heart of defence while scoring one goal. The 19-year-old also bagged a brace in the Subway Young Socceroos’ qualifier against Macau.
Perth Glory’s Zach Lisolajski has experienced a breakout campaign since moving West, making 13 appearances at left-back.
Naturally a midfielder, Fabian Talladira has shown adaptability in his game by operating as a left full-back for the Subway Young Socceroos and at Adelaide United. The 19-year-old made his A-League debut last weekend for the Reds against Sydney FC.
Midfielders
Louis Agosti is currently on the books of Serie C side Perugia and has played a handful of matches for the Griffins this season.
Western Sydney Wanderer Alex Badolato has been a key cog in midfield for the Subway Young Socceroos and scored in the win over Palestine during the qualifiers.
18-year-old Daniel Bennie of Queens Park Rangers has amassed nine matches in the Championship, while Paul Okon-Engstler has progressed through Portuguese giants SL Benfica’s youth ranks and is playing in the B team.
Jaylan Pearman has not looked back since his senior debut for Perth Glory at the start of the year, starting all six matches and providing one goal and one assist – his strike being the winner against Auckland FC. Adam Bugarija, also from Perth, has debuted this season and accumulated 11 matches in all competitions, scoring two goals. The Glory pair both scored against Kyrgyz Republic in November’s Panda Cup.
Macarthur duo, Oliver Randazzo and Frans Deli, have made three and eight appearances respectively and bring versatility and energy to the side.
Adelaide’s Jonny Yull has registered two assists in 12 games this season and provides composure and vision with his technical ability in midfield.
Forwards
Reds striker Luka Jovanovic boasts more than 50 senior matches to his name and has scored six goals in all competitions this term. The 19-year-old poacher also has four goals for Australia U20.
Medin Memeti, who doesn’t turn 18 until June, is the youngest member of the squad and has been one of the revelations for Melbourne City in 2024/25 with two goals and an assist in 11 matches.
Right-winger Dean Bosnjak has also broken into the first team this season with the Bulls and has one goal to his name in 10 games. He scored on his international debut in a friendly at November’s Panda Cup.
Sydney FC’s Tiago Quintal offers pace and trickery in advanced positions. The 18-year-old has racked up 11 appearances and a goal for the Sky Blues.
Lively winger Musa Toure is another attacking option for Morgan who featured and scored for the Young Socceroos in that November tournament. The 19-year-old also recently completed a mid-season transfer from Clermont Foot in France to join Danish Superliga outfit Randers, linking up with older brother Mohamed Toure.
All matches involving Australia will be broadcast live, exclusive and free on 10 Play.
Match Schedule
Subway Young Socceroos v Kyrgyz Republic
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Bao’an Sports Centre Stadium, Shenzhen
Kick-off: 5.15pm Local / 8.15pm AEDT
Qatar v Subway Young Socceroos
Saturday, 15 February 2025
Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium, Shenzhen
Kick-off: 5.15pm Local / 8.15pm AEDT
China PR v Subway Young Socceroos
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Bao’an Sports Centre Stadium, Shenzhen
Kick-off: 7.30pm Local / 10.30pm AEDT