Jordy Bos and Nestory Irankunda gave a glimpse of what Socceroos fans might see at the World Cup this year, with both Aussie youngsters laying on brilliant assists for their teammates in Europe on Sunday (AEDT).
They were two of the shining lights on a big weekend of Aussies Abroad action, which also saw Adrian Segecic test himself against Premier League leaders Arsenal, Lewis Miller captain Blackburn in the FA Cup, Alessandro Circati and Mat Ryan in the thick of the action in Italy and Spain respectively, and Cam Devlin at the centre of a moment of controversy in Scotland.
It’s all in our Aussies Abroad wrap below.
We’ll have a wrap of how the Australian players fared in the Women’s Super League published shortly.
Bos back doing Bos things
Jordy Bos is well and truly back and in form after returning from injury late last year, and he showed it by laying on a stunning assist while playing for Feyenoord on Sunday night (AEDT).
Playing as a left-back in the Eredivisie game against Heerenveen, Bos burned two defenders with a neat little trick before surging into the box and whipping in a wicked cross that teed up teammate Sem Steijn for a tap-in.
That helped Feyenoord take a 2-1 lead into half-time, but they were eventually reeled in by Heerenveen, with the game ending 2-2. It meant second-placed Feyenoord are now 13 points behind runaway leaders PSV.
Elsewhere in the Netherlands, Ajdin Hrustic played 90 minutes for Heracles Almelo in their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Sparta Rotterdam.
Irankunda’s moment of magic on dour night for Watford in FA Cup
Nestory Irankunda provided the bright spark on an otherwise deflating night for Watford in the FA Cup, as they went down 5-1 to fellow Championship side Bristol City.
After going a goal down inside two minutes, Watford’s hopes of progressing to the fourth round looked done and dusted when Bristol City took a 4-0 lead midway through the second half.
Irankunda helped provide a glimmer of hope, though, as his sensational run down the left – which left three defenders in his wake – laid the ball on a platter for fellow youngster Jack Grieves.
It was a moment that encapsulated everything that’s been good about Irankunda during his stint at Watford, showcasing the raw pace and superb dribbling ability that has put him back in the good books of the club’s fans after a rough period a couple of months ago.
Yet that was as good as it got for Watford, with a goal just a couple of minutes later giving Bristol City a 5-1 lead, and that was how it finished.
Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Adrian Segecic was able to test himself against the best of the best as his Portsmouth side took on Arsenal.
The former Sydney FC star had some impressive moments, particularly when facing up one-on-one against England defender Ben White. Judging by the reactions on social media, fans of both teams were very impressed with what they saw from Segecic.
Segecic has pulled Ben White’s pants down with some filthy touches and a nutmeg. Biggest standout in this Portsmouth side against the best team in the country. #PORARS
— Chief (@SrSittingBull) January 11, 2026
This Portsmouth #10 Segecic is a BALLER.
— Conehead (@CrashOf47) January 11, 2026
Off topic, i really like that Adrian Segecic guy for Portsmouth. He is definitely their best player
— Chuma😎 (@Bizzle025) January 11, 2026
segecic has torn ben white a new one down that right side
— zac (@ZDPFC) January 11, 2026
Despite Porstmouth taking an early lead, Arsenal’s quality shone through eventually as they ran out 4-1 winners, with Segecic playing 73 minutes before being substituted off.
Lewis Miller wore the captain’s armband for Blackburn as they were eliminated following a penalty shootout against Hull.
Miller played all 120 minutes of the tie and whipped in five crosses from right-back, but couldn’t create a goal for his side as they were eliminated after the scores finished 0-0 after extra time. Miller didn’t take a penalty in the shootout.
Daniel Bennie earned some rare minutes for Queens Park Rangers, coming off the bench in the FA Cup tie against West Ham.
The Premier League side were made to work hard for a 2-1 victory that was only sealed in extra time, with Bennie playing 37 minutes.
Devlin in moment of controversy as Hearts hold onto lead in Scotland
As usual, Cammy Devlin was in the thick of the action for Hearts against Dundee in Scotland.
The Aussie midfielder was involved in the game’s key moment, taking a quick free-kick that eventually led to the only goal of the game, scored by in-form Hearts forward Claudio Braga.
Dundee’s players were incensed that the goal was allowed to stand as the ball appeared to still be rolling when Devlin took the free-kick, but their appeals were waved away.
The win helped Hearts move three points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with a game in hand.
Elsewhere in Scotland, Nicolas Milanovic earned a rare start for Aberdeen but failed to make much of an impact against Rangers while playing out on the wing.
Milanovic was subbed off after 68 minutes, as Aberdeen went down 2-0 in their second match since sacking manager Jimmy Thelin (they have yet to permanently replace him).
Circati and Ryan solid as always
Alessandro Circati put in a typically solid performance for Parma as they beat Lecce 2-1 in Italy’s Serie A.
Circati’s side conceded a goal inside the first minute but recovered well, no doubt aided by not one but two red cards for Lecce, to eventually overhaul their opponents with two goals inside eight second-half minutes.
Over in Spain, Mat Ryan contnued his strong form in goals for Levante as they drew 1-1 with Espanyol.
Ryan made two saves to help his side earn a point that continued their mid-season resurgence, and they’re now just four points away from safety with a game in hand.