Poll results: Fans backing teenage sensation for Russia

Bert van Marwijk is set to trim the Caltex Socceroos squad on Tuesday ahead of Australia’s pre-FIFA World Cup camp in Turkey later this month.

The Dutchman named an initial 32-man squad last Monday but indicated only 26-27 players would be selected for the camp in Europe.

With six new faces chosen in the extended squad, we asked fans which new name they would like to see included in van Marwijk’s Socceroos squad.

Uncapped duo Daniel Arzani and Fran Karacic received their first international call-ups, while Jamie Maclaren, Apostolos Giannou, Mitch Langerak and Alex Gersbach have all been recalled.

While there’s some familiar faces in that group, it’s a fleet-footed teenager which the fans are most keen to see give an opportunity.

Daniel Arzani

 

Melbourne City youngster Daniel Arzani was the overwhelming pick among the punters, with more than 75% hoping the winger is included in van Marwijk’s squad.  

Described by van Marwijk as a player that “has something special”,  Arzani was included on the back of his superb performances for Melbourne City in the Hyundai A-League.

The teenager started 15 games for City, scoring two goals and providing three assists on the way to being named the NAB Young Footballer of the Year.

Technically gifted and dynamic off the mark, Arzani’s ability to breeze past defenders has been a real highlight in the A-League this season.

Could the 19-year-old be the ‘X-Factor’ Australia needs in Russia?

Daniel Arzani
Daniel Arzani