Star Matildas, China’s ‘female Messi’ among the players to watch in key friendlies

Caitlin Foord and Katrina Gorry. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

WE all know about Sam Kerr’s irrepressible form for club and country this season.

But on Tuesday night in Melbourne and Sunday afternoon in Geelong, there are a plethora of talented footballers taking centre stage from both Australia and China.
These include China’s ‘female Messi’ and two previous AFC player of the year winners.
Ahead of the two friendlies between the Matildas and China, get up to date with some of the key players to watch.
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STEPH CATLEY (AUSTRALIA)
A proud Victorian, Catley has blossomed into one of the world’s finest left-backs.
With Stajcic looking for increased versatility from all his players, Catley has also been tested at centre-back on occasion – a position she’s filled admirably, even if she’s a more natural wide player.
Indeed, Catley’s ability to run the ball and create from defence using her lethal left foot will be the key to unlocking China’s weaknesses.
The Melbourne City captain will be keen to showcase her wares in front of her home crowd – this is only the second time the Matildas have played in Melbourne in recent years.
WANG SHUANG (CHINA)

Shuang Wang. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

You have to be an extremely good player to earn a title like ‘the female Messi.’ But it’s easy to understand the comparison to the Barcelona superstar when watching Wang Shuang.
At just 22, the Chinese superstar already has 63 caps and 13 international goals to her name. While she plies her trade at Chinese Women’s Super League club Dalian Quanjian, she has previously attracted attention from overseas clubs.
Wang’s elusiveness, deft ball control and sweet left foot makes her a genuine threat in her attacking midfield role, while she can also have an impact out wide or in a more advanced position.
KATRINA GORRY (AUSTRALIA)
On her day, Australia’s diminutive midfielder is one of the finest in her position in the world. A classy yet aggressive playmaker, Gorry’s take-no-prisoners approach is as important to the Matildas’ midfield make-up as her vision and skill on the ball.

Katrina Gorry. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Having spent time in Japan with Vegalta Sendai this season, the 2014 AFC Women’s Player of the Year looks to have built on her superb technical ability.
Gorry’s knack for picking out passes will play a key role in breaking down China’s defence. Expect the Queenslander to sit at the top of a classy midfield triumvirate in front of star box-to-box playmaker Emily van Egmond – who pulls the strings in the centre of the park - and cool-headed holding midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight.
WANG SHANSHAN (CHINA)
Now here’s an interesting player.

Wang Shanshan. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Wang Shanshan initially made a name for herself as a defender but in recent years has been transformed into a striker. It’s paid off in a big way, too.
Wang has become China’s key threat up forward and now has 10 international goals to her name.
Expect her to lead the line and combine with attacking midfielder Wang Shuang as the pair look to unlock Australia’s defence.
CAITLIN FOORD (AUSTRALIA)
Another player to have headed to Japan over Australia’s winter, Foord played alongside Gorry at Vegalta Sendai.

Caitlin Foord on the ball. (AAP IMAGE / Matt Sullivan)Source: News Corp Australia

The talented forward - who made a name for herself as a teenager at the 2011 World Cup at full back, is capable of taking a game by the scruff of the neck.
Having only just turned 23, Foord already has 58 caps to her name and continues to grow her consistency as a player.
Foord’s electrifying pace and strength over the ball makes her a difficult player to hold up, while she also combines well with Kerr and Lisa De Vanna up forward.
Expect her to consistently trouble China’s defence with her runs and work on the ball.
HERE TO PROVE A POINT
KYAH SIMON
Now here’s a player with a point to prove.
Having played a key role in some of Australia’s greatest triumphs – including scoring the winning penalty at the Asian Cup, along with the goal that put the Matildas into the final eight of the 2015 World Cup – Simon was on the sidelines for this year’s Tournament of Nations.
The dynamic forward had experienced somewhat of a form slump in last year’s W-League season – then revealed she had been playing through injury when she skipped the American NWSL season and went in for shoulder surgery.

Kyah Simon scores a goal. (AAP Image/ Julian Smith)Source: AAP

Having built her fitness, switched clubs (from Sydney FC to Melbourne City) and returned to goal scoring form at club level, Simon should be feeling confident ahead of these friendlies.
Given Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Lisa De Vanna have established themselves as Australia’s go-to starting front three – while Hayley Raso’s tantalising club form has pushed her up the pecking order – Simon appears likely to start on the bench.
That said, she’s capable of having a big impact as a substitute. It also seems likely that Michelle Heyman, Larissa Crummer and Amy Harrison – who have also had injury struggles over the past year – will get the opportunity to showcase their wares.
LAURA ALLEWAY
Alleway will be out to cement a spot at the heart of Australia’s defence.
With Alanna Kennedy a consistent anchor in Stajcic’s back four, the second centre-back is often picked according to opposition line-ups.

Laura Alleway. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Alleway matches up well against strong, powerful strikers, while star left-back Steph Catley can be shifted into a central position to deal with smaller and more athletic opponents.
After a tough year, in which Alleway was waived by NWSL side Orlando Pride, the defender has made the switch from Melbourne City to Melbourne Victory – and has started the W-League season in fine form.
She’ll be keen to replicate that at international level.