Ipswich Town Midfielder Gets “Little Reward” For Great Start
Ipswich Town fans will be watching the England match at Wembley Stadium tonight with added interest. Midfielder Massimo Luongo has been recalled back into the Australian squad for the first time since 2019. Something that he calls “a little reward” for his endeavours for the Championship team.
The Socceroos have a showpiece friendly at the home of football tonight, and then a game against neighbours New Zealand at Brentford next week. Luongo has been called up by boss Graham Arnold for the double-header, after impressing during the opening stages of the season.
Turning Form Around
After an indifferent time at both Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday, the midfield ace has found the form that made him sought after, which in turn has reflected in his recall for his nation. Helped along this season by manager Kieran McKenna, the Aussie has had time to reflect but is also relishing the challenges ahead.
Talking in the East Anglian Daily Times ahead of the big game at Wembley, Luongo said, “I had a pretty tragic run of injuries which kept me out for a little bit. If anything, it was just about getting everything right off the pitch, like mentally, working hard and being happy.
“Before you know it, I was 30 years old! 31 already. It’s one of those that I think about because I had so much going on that I needed to get right. That was the priority, I think. Then I think that a call-up is a little reward for me for working hard and getting myself back to where I needed to be.”
Ipswich is also represented in the Aussie squad by Cameron Burgess, which helped Luongo to settle in quickly after his time away from the national squad scene.
“It’s enjoyable. It’s nice to see everyone. Players have changed. When Aussies meet, it feels like they’ve known each other for a while, so it’s a nice environment to come back into.”
Writer’s View
Massimo Luongo is fully deserving of his recall and would be forgiven for thinking that at 31 years old his time was up as far as more international appearances were concerned. The fact he has knuckled down and played in a system at Ipswich Town that suits his style is a huge testament to himself. Having played in every league game so far, his consistent form is one of the reasons why his side is pushing for automatic promotion. There’s no reason why he cannot help his country to another major tournament, but first…England.
Ipswich is also represented in the Aussie squad by Cameron Burgess, which helped Luongo to settle in quickly after his time away from the national squad scene.
“It’s enjoyable. It’s nice to see everyone. Players have changed. When Aussies meet, it feels like they’ve known each other for a while, so it’s a nice environment to come back into.”
Writer’s View
Massimo Luongo is fully deserving of his recall and would be forgiven for thinking that at 31 years old his time was up as far as more international appearances were concerned. The fact he has knuckled down and played in a system at Ipswich Town that suits his style is a huge testament to himself. Having played in every league game so far, his consistent form is one of the reasons why his side is pushing for automatic promotion. There’s no reason why he cannot help his country to another major tournament, but first…England.
