Newcastle United’s newest signing Garang Kuol made his Australia debut last month, and the forward is ‘in contention’ to go to the World Cup.
That’s according to manager Graham Arnold, who has been discussing the teenager’s meteoric rise.
The 18-year-old is yet to start a senior game in his career. However, he has already represented his country, dazzled against Barcelona and secured a transfer to Newcastle.
Kuol will officially become a Magpie in January, but is expected to be loaned out. It has been claimed that Portugal is his most likely destination.
He is one for Newcastle’s future, but it might not be long before we see him on the grandest stage in football.
Australia are going to the World Cup, and are in Group D with defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia. It will be difficult for the Socceroos to advance to the knockout stage, and could turn to Kuol for inspiration.
He made his debut during the recent international break in a friendly against New Zealand. He was fantastic off the bench, with his blistering pace making it an incredibly exciting cameo. Kuol’s efforts even led to Australia’s second goal of the game.
There is a lot of buzz about Newcastle’s latest recruit, and Arnold has been discussing the brightest talent to come out of Australia in a long time.
Graham Arnold on Garang Kuol
The Australia manager has been speaking to Code Sports. He was asked whether or not Kuol will be in his World Cup squad.
“Well, he’s in contention,” Arnold said.
“He was something different when he came on and that’s what we’re looking for. But again, he has got a lot to learn.
“He is rough and he is raw, and that’s expected at the age of 18.
“I’ve shown I’m prepared to take these kinds of risks, and that’s to shock and surprise opponents, but he’s got a long, long way to go. He’s got to get wherever he is and work hard.
“He’s coming back now to the Central Coast Mariners, so it will be interesting to see if he starts every week.”
Long way to go for Kuol and Newcastle
While there is a lot of excitement around Kuol, there also has to be patience. As Arnold says, he still has a lot to learn.
But that’s not a negative thing. He should have a lot to learn – he’s still only 18-years-old.
With his exciting pace and dribbling ability, it’s clear that Kuol is very raw. But with good coaching, he could become a superstar.
That is hopefully what he will receive at Newcastle, and wherever he goes on loan.
On the international stage, Arnold is clearly aware of Kuol’s talents. That’s why he gave him his Australia debut so soon into his career.
It would not be a surprise to see him go to the World Cup and make a few cameo appearances. His presence off the bench could give Australia a lift.
But if it doesn’t, that is nothing to worry about. Kuol is still in the infancy of his career. Hopefully he continues to develop at a rapid pace and we see him playing for Newcastle in the next few years.
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