‘Got the X-Factor’: Dwight Yorke now backs ‘magical’ Newcastle player to excel at the World Cup

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Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has backed incoming Newcastle United signing Garang Kuol to excel at the World Cup with Australia.

Speaking in an interview with Wide World of Sports, the Macarthur FC manager spoke of how he was taken aback by the 18-year-old’s talents when he first saw the youngster play in the A-League.

“I first came across him in the All Star game against Barcelona … and in terms of his football intelligence, I thought ‘wow’, and obviously he was sensational in that game when he came off the bench,” Yorke said.

“I thought nothing of him until I actually saw him close up and his rise has been notable, and he’s been tremendous to that point.

The former Man United man had a front row seat on Sunday as his side beat Kuol’s team, the Central Coast Mariners, 3-2, despite the Toon signing bagging twice in emphatic fashion.

“Yesterday was just another moment where you thought ‘this guy has certainly got the X-factor’, and he’s done it consistently since that move to Newcastle,” he said.

“He’s seemed to get stronger and fitter, and he’s one to watch out for.

“I’m not sure how Graham Arnold will use him in his squad, but he’s magical … yesterday we found out in no uncertain terms that he’s a special talent.”

Yorke tips Kuol to shine at the World Cup

Despite having only signed his first professional contract with the Mariners in June, Newcastle confirmed they had signed the youngster just three months later.

According to the BBC, the Magpies paid an initial £300,000 for Kuol, before add-ons.

Described by Toon boss Eddie Howe as ‘very sharp, agile, quick, [and] a good finisher’, in years to come, fans will be thanking the club for their astute business.

Getting him in ahead of the World Cup was a smart move. Having been backed to shine on the international stage, Kuol’s stock is expected to rise significantly.

That £300,000 fee would have been blown out of the water, if it wasn’t for the swift swoop by Newcastle’s recruitment team.

With the player set to arrive on Tyneside in January, supporters will have their eyes fixed on the 18-year-old over the coming weeks.

Whilst the Socceroos aren’t expected to progress in the competition with France and Denmark in their group, it will be a great opportunity to see how Kuol fairs on the biggest stage.