‘One of the sickest things ever’: Teen sensation in line to become youngest Socceroo since Kewell

Garang Kuol used to have an old VHS tape compilation of Socceroos World Cup highlights which he and his brothers almost wore out when they were growing up in Shepparton, dreaming of one day representing their adopted country on the biggest stage of them all.

“It was basically a mash-up of one of the World Cups, the key moments put into one tape – some of the goals, big moments, some of the games,” he said.

“I can’t remember much about it, but I just remember players like [Mark] Bresciano, Tim Cahill and stuff. We used to watch that, legit, like every day, the same tape. It was one of the sickest things ever.”

That dream is now tantalisingly close to reality for Kuol, the fearless winger who is in line to become Australia’s youngest male debutant since a 17-year-old Harry Kewell pulled on green and gold for the first time.

And while it’s come much earlier than even he had expected, Kuol – who turns 18 on Thursday – doesn’t appear the least bit overawed.

On Wednesday, the emerging Central Coast Mariners star was named in a new-look 31-man squad for the Socceroos’ final two friendlies before November’s World Cup in Qatar – and was relishing the spotlight, deploying the sort of quick wit and charisma that is seemingly as much a family trait as the Kuols’ innate ability to be at the right place at the right time on the pitch.

Central Coast Mariners teammates Garang Kuol and Jason Cummings are in the Socceroos squad.Credit: Getty

Asked how he felt about beating his 21-year-old brother Alou, who plays at Bundesliga club Stuttgart, to an Australian squad, Kuol’s comic timing was spot on.

“I rang him, and I’m just like, ‘what happened mate?’” he said, eyes widening for impact.

“Nah, he was chill about it. He was just happy for me.”

None of this will come as any surprise to those who have closely watched his remarkable rise from the Central Coast Mariners’ youth team to earning rich praise from the likes of Xavi and Dwight Yorke, and interest from some of Europe’s top clubs – including English Premier League side Newcastle United, who sources have told the Herald are close to stitching up a deal for him that would take effect in the January transfer window.

Graham Arnold has sprung a few shocks in his 31-man squad for Australia’s final friendlies before the World Cup in Qatar.Credit: Getty

Kuol still hasn’t started a game at A-League level or put together a full 90 minutes, but has come off the bench and changed pretty much every game he’s been involved in, to the point where Socceroos coach Graham Arnold admitted he simply had to take a closer look as he sorts through his attacking options.

“As Garang said, it’s an opportunity for himself. You can tell by his answer how much he believes in himself,” Arnold said.

“It’s an area of the pitch where we need players. Up front, the winger with the one-v-one action and pace and can put the ball in the back of the net – we’re always looking for those type of players. I don’t care what age they are, as long as they’ve got the ability and quality, I’m more than prepared to look at them.”

Including a player of such raw talent at a World Cup is not unprecedented for Australia, after Daniel Arzani was picked for Russia 2018 off the back of limited minutes in the A-League for Melbourne City, and then came off the bench three times in that tournament. Arzani, whose career has stalled since then, is now at Macarthur FC and on standby for the Socceroos should injury strike.

“I think at this level of being an athlete, mentality is key,” Kuol said.

“Regardless of age, if you just go in full guns blazing wanting to prove yourself, and be ruthless, you can achieve whatever you want.

“It’s a huge privilege to be here. It’s a proud moment for me and my family. I just want to prove myself and keep moving forward.”

Kuol is part of an influx of new faces and surprise call-ups from Arnold, who is intent on keeping Australia’s incumbent stars on their toes ahead of next week’s friendlies against New Zealand and has thus selected seven possible debutants. Kuol’s strike partner at the Mariners, Scottish-born Jason Cummings, is also in the squad, as are Scottish Premiership trio Cameron Devlin, Ryan Strain and Keanu Baccus, Fulham’s on-loan midfielder Tyrese Francois and ex-Melbourne City defender Harrison Delbridge.

Arnold has also coaxed arguably Australia’s most in-form goalkeeper over the last few years, Mitch Langerak, out of retirement to challenge skipper Mat Ryan, who left Real Sociedad for Copenhagen in search of club minutes in the lead-up to Qatar.

Mitch Langerak waved goodbye to international football two years ago but has been tempted by a possible World Cup comeback.Credit: Getty

Most of the players who got the Socceroos past Peru and into the World Cup have been named, although those left out are not necessarily out of Arnold’s plans, since he already knows what they can all do.

Arnold intends on fielding two entirely different teams in Brisbane next Thursday night and in Auckland three days later to expose as many players as possible to international level in search of depth and extra weaponry, although he will only be able to name 26 players for his final World Cup squad.

One player who won’t be facing the All Whites is Tom Rogic, who has just ended the mystery over his footballing future by signing for West Bromwich Albion, and has signalled his desire to play for the Socceroos again to Arnold.

But he hasn’t explained why he missed the World Cup play-offs against the UAE and Peru in June – and, according to Arnold, doesn’t have to.

“The most important thing for me is he’s happy. He’s just got to get on the field, get training, get playing and perform. We need our best players,” he said.

SOCCEROOS SQUAD

Nathaniel Atkinson, Keanu Baccus, Aziz Behich, Martin Boyle, Jason Cummings, Harrison Delbridge, Milos Degenek, Thomas Deng, Cameron Devlin, Mitchell Duke, Tyrese Francois, Denis Genreau, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Fran Karacic, Joel King, Garang Kuol, Mitch Langerak (GK), Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Jamie Maclaren, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aaron Mooy, Andrew Redmayne (GK), Mathew Ryan (GK), Trent Sainsbury, Ryan Strain, Adam Taggart, Marco Tilio, Bailey Wright.

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