‘Humbled and honoured’: Genreau taking Caltex Socceroos chance in his stride

The last thing Denis Genreau expected when he made the move to PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie at the start of the season was for it to lead to a call-up to the Caltex Socceroos.

But that’s exactly what happened for the 19-year-old playmaker, who has been relishing every minute of the training camp in Turkey this week.

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It the first senior call-up for Genreau - on loan at Zwolle from Hyundai A-League club Melbourne City - having represented Australia at youth level.

“It’s been really nice to get to know the boys, get to know the staff, and to share a dressing room with some of Australia’s best players,” Genreau told www.socceroos.com.au.

“I’m really excited to be involved, really humbled and honoured as well to be a part of the group.

“Every time I put on the jersey as a Young Socceroo I was extremely excited and very honoured as well. But to be invited to a Socceroos training camp, and the fact that Graham Arnold and the FFA are looking at me and following me in Europe at the moment is fantastic.

“It’s every footballer’s dream to put on the jersey one day for the national team and I couldn’t be happier to be involved at the moment.”

While it’s come as a shock to be amongst Australia’s best so soon, it’s a well-earned call-up for Genreau.

He’s been a model of consistency with PEC Zwolle in the opening weeks of the campaign, back working alongside former City boss John van ‘t Schip.

Genreau has started three of the four league games and admits he’s surprised how well he’s settled to life in the Netherlands.

“I’ve adapted quite well to the style of play because it’s very different to the A-League and what Australian football is like,” he said.

“Everything…the culture, the football, the connection with the players as well, everything is different.

“So far it’s been a pretty smooth transition but it’s just the start and I want to keep working hard and cement my place in the starting 11 and have a good season.”

Caltex Socceroos training