Garang Kuol was included in Australia’s extended squad for two friendlies against New Zealand on Wednesday, pledging to give the adolescent prodigy a chance to play in the World Cup in Qatar.
Kuol, who turns 18 on Thursday, has had a fantastic start to his professional career with the A-Central League’s Coast Mariners, creating big difficulties for defenses with his lightning pace and eye for goal.
The assured striker also turned up a fantastic performance for the A-League All-Stars against Barcelona in a Sydney friendly in May, earning visiting coach Xavi’s praise for his “clear skill.”
“He’s shown terrific skill and amazing potential,” Arnold said at a press conference after the announcement of his team. “I honestly feel our kids have it here in Australia; it’s simply a matter of giving them the chance.”
“Up front is a position on the field where we need guys. If you have speed and can put the ball in the back of the goal… I’m willing to have a look at you.”
Kuol, who was born in an Egyptian refugee camp to South Sudanese parents, claimed the transition to international football would not be difficult for him.
“I believe mindset is important as an athlete,” Arnold remarked. “You can do everything you desire regardless of your age if you go in with all guns blazing, wanting to prove yourself and being relentless.”
Australia hosts New Zealand on September 22 in Brisbane, with the return match five days later in Auckland.
Arnold said that he has chosen a large 31-man roster with the intention of fielding a different team for each game.
Four players from Arnold’s under-23 team at the Tokyo Olympics last year were also called up, and the squad’s Scottish flavor was boosted by the addition of Edinburgh-born attacker Jason Cummings.
At the opposite end of the age spectrum from Kuol, 34-year-old Mitch Langerak opted to come out of retirement and was one of three goalkeepers nominated to the team.
Australia will face winners France, Denmark, and Tunisia in the World Cup group stage, which begins on November 20.
