Ange Postecoglou tips ‘dirtiest footballer ever’ to be Premier League’s next superstar manager

Ange Postecoglou has tipped compatriot Kevin Muscat to become the next big managerial import to the Premier League.

Muscat is currently manager of Japanese J1-League club Yokohama F. Marinos, where he has held the post since 2021.

Muscat lead Yokohama to the J1 League title in 2021Getty

The 50-year-old, once dubbed the ‘dirtiest footballer ever’, enjoyed a 19-year playing career including spells in England and Scotland.

Muscat turned out for Crystal Palace, Wolves and Millwall while spending a solitary season in the SPL with Rangers.

He spent much of his career riling a host of stars including Arsenal legend Ian Wright, former Newcastle and Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy and French World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry.

Coincidentally, his career ended with Melbourne Victory thanks to a season-ending eight-week ban for a vicious tackle on Adrian Zahra in the Melbourne derby in 2011.

However, Tottenham boss Postecoglou insists the former tough-tackling defender is priming himself for a return to the Premier League, this time in the dugout.

Much like Postecoglou, Muscat has developed an unlikely reputation for free-flowing, attractive football.

“Kevin’s a good man and he’s doing very well in Japan,” Postecoglou told talkSPORT “Watch out for him, he’ll be another one that comes across.

“[He’ll be] another Aussie that comes across here and breaks down some barriers.”

Postecoglou holds high hopes for Muscat in his managerial careergetty

Postecoglou has further opened the door for Australian managers to manage in one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Patrick Kisnorbo became the first to achieve that feat when he was handed the reins at French club Troyes last season.

Unfortunately, for the former Leicester and Leeds defender, he was unable to keep Troyes in the top flight and his side currently sit tenth in Ligue 2.