Socceroos legend Luke Wilkshire has had a first-hand look at the exploits of Garang Kuol in recent months, and said there’s no doubt the teenage superstar will play a part for Australia at the World Cup.
With a move to the English Premier League waiting in January, and fresh off the best goal of his blossoming career, the 18-year-old has quickly become one of the most popular players in Graham Arnold’s ranks for Qatar.
Another who had a great view of Kuol’s goal in the Mariners’ final game before the tournament was Dwight Yorke, who was in the opposition dugout – and he also singled the Newcastle United-bound forward out for praise among the Australian squad.
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Wilkshire recently joined the Mariners as a youth coach, and the club that has produced so many Socceroos has carefully managed Kuol’s career so far, opting to bring him off the bench in each of his 12 league appearances so far.
“He’s not ready to start, I agree with the way Monty’s been using him and that’s where he’s most-effective,” Wilkshire said.
Kuol has played less than 350 minutes for the club but has found the back of the next six times.
”He’s a phenomenal talent, everyone can see that,” Wilkshire said.
“That goal yesterday was clarifying to everyone why he should be in that squad, and at the World Cup.”
Wilkshire, who racked up 80 caps for the Socceroos, is certain that Kuol’s cameos will continue in Qatar.
“I’ve got no doubt that Arnie, at some stage, is going to use him – because we don’t have another player like that,” he said.
“What he can do, how he can go past players, his composure, his pace, his quality of finishing, it’s there.”
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Kuol will head to Europe to continue his career in January, having signed with EPL high-flyers Newcastle United.
Wilkshire said the sky’s the limit.
“If he keeps the way he is, and he’s got a very level head, he’s a very good kid, he’s got a very bright future, that’s for sure.”
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Where are they now? The historic Socceroos squad that went to the 2006 FIFA World Cup
