Golden boot frontrunner that no one saw coming

If you had to guess which Matilda would most likely win the golden boot at the Women's Asian Cup before a ball had been kicked, Alanna Kennedy would unlikely be first to mind.

But the Australian veteran leads the race to do exactly that.

A move from being a defender to a holding midfielder has worked a treat for Kennedy, who has become the top goalscorer for the national team at the Women's Asian Cup.

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Not only has she sent the most goals into the net for the Matildas, she also is equal with Japan's Riko Ueki on the leaderboard for the most goals scored in the tournament so far.

Both players have scored five goals across the group stage and quarter finals. Sam Kerr won the Women's Asian Cup golden boot in 2022 with seven goals and is the only Australian player to receive the award in the tournament's history.

This tournament has been a comeback story of sorts for Kennedy.

Just six months ago there was debate around her future as a defender in the green and gold jersey after she copped a red card just 19 minutes into a game against England.

She then returned for the New Zealand international series and now the Asian Cup.

The question around who would play the defensive midfield role was put to Joe Montemurro before the Matildas had even entered camp for the tournament, with many quick to note that he was thin on options for the traditional No.6 role.

At the time, the Australian coach recognised the adaptability of several players within the squad to move into the midfield if need be. Kennedy was one of those he named.

The transformation couldn't have been smoother, with the 31-year-old showing her versatility across the field away from her typical role as a centre back.

The likes of Kyra Cooney-Cross or Emily van Egmond have been more natural fits in midfield over the years, but Kennedy has surpassed them for a very specific role, which Montemurro likes to deploy in his teams.

Kennedy is still playing to her strengths in aerial contests and as a strong voice shielding the defensive line, but she has also tapped into the fluid playing style Montemurro likes.

"My coaching staff said to me, 'What are you doing playing her as a No.6?'" Montemurro told reporters after Australia's quarter final win.

"I think as a No.6 she could be world class and she is showing that at the moment. She is one that I think still has more in terms of taking it to the next level.

"I am so happy and proud of her in the steps that she has taken."

It is a fresh change to the rhythm that the Matildas are typically known for, with Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler all opening the path for Kennedy to score goals, with late runs into the box when Australia's superstar front three push forward.

Kennedy can't believe how successful she has been at the Asian Cup.

"(The golden boot) was one of my goals before the tournament," she said laughing.

"It wasn't something that I expected. I'm just happy to help the team."

The strategy has been successful so far and buried thoughts about a weak midfield, but in moments where the game is on the line, it is that area that has tended to crumble first.

DPR Korea and South Korea proved that too be true, with both getting hold of the game by flooding the midfield and dominating possession. Kennedy and Kerr were the goal-scoring saviours for Australia in both matches.

While the risks that come with a thin midfield have not caused major issues for Australia, Montemurro is aware of the areas they must fix if they want to win the title.

The Matildas will take on China in the semi final in Perth, kicking off at 9pm (AEDT) Tuesday night.