Spanish legend Villa gives Mabil stunner nod of approval

Awer Mabil is turning heads around the footballing world right now - and one of the sports biggest names has taken notice.

Mabil marked his rise to prominence with a sensational opening goal in the Socceroos' 3-2 triumph over Syria earlier this morning, an effort so striking it drew praise from one David Villa.

The Spanish national team legend and ex-Melbourne City man gave Mabil's stunner his nod of approval when he replied to a Twitter post from agent Victor Onate.

Onate's tweet reads: "Stay with this name... @awermabil17. Another Golazo today to open Australia's triumph in the Asian Cup."

The Twitter exchange can be seen below.

BLOG: Relive the Socceroos' win as it unfolded
MATCH REPORT: Australia overcome Syria to reach knockout stage
SPEAKING UP: Heart-warming reason for Mabil's goal celebration
SUPPORTING CAST: Grant praises Socceroos fans
MOMENTUM BUILDING: Mabil says Socceroos best is yet to come ahead of Round of 16
THE EQUATION: Socceroos await Round of 16 opponent at AFC Asian Cup


It's not the first time Villa and Mabil have interacted on social media in recent times.

In December, Mabil took to Instagram to post a picture of his former Hyundai A-League rival holding a FC Midtjylland kit with Mabil's name and kit number.

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