Australia captain Mile Jedinak may boast an unassuming and calm demeanour off the field, but the Sydneysider plays with a classic lead-by-example style when he steps over the white line. Jedinak assumed the captain’s armband last year ahead of Brazil 2014 to join an elite group of Australians to have led the national team at the FIFA World Cup™: Lucas Neill, Mark Viduka and Peter Wilson.
While Jedinak may not have the star power of his predecessors, he lacks little for inspirational qualities and sheer will to win. While the defensive midfielder can often be seen breaking down opposition attacks or putting in a decisive tackle, he is equally adept at opening a defence with a single pass or scoring from distance with his fierce shooting.
Jedinak has become a fans’ favourite at Crystal Palace where his modest profile outside south London contrasts with his immense value to the team. Last October Jedinak outshone the numerous headline names of the English Premier League by being named the competition’s best player based on statistics.
Now the 30-year-old is set for another milestone moment as Australia hosts the AFC Asian Cup for the first time commencing with the tournament opener against Kuwait today. Jedinak became an entrenched member of the national team line-up four years ago at Qatar 2011, where he scored his first international goal against Korea Republic. And he will have the opportunity to reprise that feat when the Socceroos tackle the Koreans and also Oman over the coming week in Group A.
Here Jedinak tells FIFA.com about the challenges of wearing the captain’s armband, the double-edged sword that is playing at home, and his pride in leading out the team in the biggest tournament ever to be staged Down Under.
FIFA.com: Do you view this tournament as a unique opportunity on home soil?
Mile Jedinak: It is the first major tournament we have hosted at senior level, and the other major tournament we can be involved in as a national team (other than the World Cup), so that is hugely exciting, and is a highlight and that can’t be under-estimated. As a squad it is something that we have been really looking forward to.
Personally you had a taste of the Asian Cup four years ago. What was your experience of the tournament?
Certainly your opponents are good enough and are there for a reason. You need to treat every opponent with respect, and for us it is partly about preparation. Playing so many games in a short space of time, means there are many factors. I remember the experience in Qatar, and it is great to be able to pass that experience on.
Now that you have been captain for a while, how have you enjoyed the role?
I think you need to embrace the role. I have been given the position of captain, and that is something to be embraced with both hands. It is a role that has aspects on and off the pitch. I have been in the squad for a long time now and feel comfortable within the group, I know how things work and what make players respond. Hopefully, I have passed on some of my knowledge to the other boys.
Do you think playing at home adds pressure or provides a boost?
I think a little bit of both. Obviously there is pressure to perform. We haven’t played at home for a very long time, but I think it is something we will embrace. We have been preparing for a long time, but I think that come kick-off we will see the fruits of that.
Thinking back to the start of your senior career over a decade ago prior to the start of the A-League and the growth of the national team, did you ever imagine playing in such a big tournament at home with such strong interest?
I liked to think I could have imagined it but to actually be a part of it is another thing. Would I have seen it in my lifetime? I like to think so, but this is undoubtedly very special.
Source: FIFA.com