Former Socceroo and Premier League winner Mark Bosnich believes Melbourne City keeper Patrick Beach’s miraculous display against Türkiye will now have clubs clambering to secure his services.
The 22-year-old was a shock selection by Socceroos boss Tony Popovic, who benched captain and regular first-choice keeper Mathew Ryan in favour of City shotstopper Beach.
The decision was vindicated before the first half was even completed, with Beach making several top saves to help Australia ultimately go on to seal a magnificent 2-0 win of Group D favourites Türkiye.
MATCH REPORT: Nestory nets winner as Socceroos stun Türkiye
Speaking on SEN Sydney, former Aston Villa, Manchester United and Socceroos keeper Bosnich believes Beach will now be the subject of interest from clubs right around the world.
“Unbelievable, really. It was unbelievable,” said Bosnich, when analysing Beach’s performance in Vancouver.
“I think you’ve got a big star in the making there.
“To come into such a big game like he did, and to perform as he did. Remember, he made eight saves. I think that’s the most saves by any goalkeeper, I think, since (Guillermo) Ochoa the Mexican goalkeeper a couple of World Cups ago.
“And to keep a clean sheet as well, to come in for the captain… there was no debate beforehand about anything.
“Last week against Switzerland in that friendly, he was outstanding. I actually made that point quite a few times, but no one had any inkling that that position was up for grabs.”
Beach has been a regular for Melbourne City since being thrown into the side in Round One of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season by Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar.
Having ousted the then first choice goalkeeper Jamie Young, Beach’s consistent performances across the season ultimately helped City clinch the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League Championship, with Bozza revealing people are already showing an interest in the City keeper.
WORLD CUP REACTION: Surprise Popovic selection stars in stunning win
“People have already contacted me,” laughed Bozza when asked whether Beach could now be set for a move overseas.
“But eyebrows have been raised all around the world already to say, well, who is this young kid?
“Obviously, we’ve got a great tradition with goalkeepers from the past, and we have produced very good goalkeepers.
“But I think the most important thing for him, and I’ve said this all along to people that I’m close with, we’ve got to be careful with this young kid.
“I know it’s understandable, because eyebrows have been raised. There’s no doubt about that. I’ve had calls already. (But) we’ve just got to try to make sure the ones that are in positions of influence, we don’t want to go overboard, because there’ll be plenty of time for that afterwards.
“He’s shown on the world stage how good he actually is.”
Following his commanding display against Türkiye Melbourne City ace Beach is now a strong chance of keeping his place for the Socceroos’ crunch Group D clash with host nation the USA on Saturday morning in Seattle.
