The Dutchman has twice scouted the 27-year-old since his February switch from Verona to Eredivisie strugglers Heracles Almelo - a goal and assist in four appearances so far - and is gratified by what he’s witnessed.
 
Absent from Australia’s last 11 games due to lack of game time in Italy - and a victim of injury at the 2022 World Cup - Hrustic is bursting for a return to the international arena.
 
And Meulensteen, who watched him in person against PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse, believes the dead-ball specialist can inject extra creativity into the Socceroos midfield.
 
“Ajdin is in good nick. It was hard to justify selecting him for the Asian Cup because of the game time issues at Verona,” Meulensteen told FTBL.
 
“There was also the aspect of not wanting to jeopardise his potential club move at a critical phase of his career, which playing in the Asian Cup might well have done.
“He’s aware of that but of course he’s back in contention now.
 
"Ajdin is just a very good footballer - when he’s at his top he has that little bit of X-factor to unlock defences.
 
“He has a great left foot to provide pinpoint crosses and shots from distance. He has a goal in him and a great set piece delivery. He’s also able to play a number of different positions which is good as well.”
 
The suspension of fellow midfielder Aiden O’Neill has further enhanced Hrustic’s chances of a recall to a side missing an intuitive spark during an Asian Cup campaign which ended in a 2-1 extra time loss to South Korea at the quarter final stage.
 
“It’s really nice to just see him back playing again after a frustrating time with Verona, and I’m sure he’s hellbent on resurrecting his career now at both club level and with the national team,” added Meulensteen.
 
“He’s playing every week and he’s in a pressurised situation at a club hovering near the relegation zone. I’m sure that will bring out the best in him.
 
“It’s a great move by Heracles to get a player of his quality and calibre. Big players want to play in big tournaments and Ajdin is no different.
 
"Unfortunately he into the 2022 World Cup with an ankle injury which turned out to be worse than we all thought and he wasn’t able to feature anywhere near as much as we’d hoped.
 
“He went through surgery and has fought his way back - and like any player he’ll want to be remembered for performing in big tournaments.
 
“His his goal now will be the 2026 World Cup, which will come round sooner than you think.”