Socceroos call-up offers 'a massive learning experience' to young gun Genreau

Matthew Comito 1622518114,1622763222

Rising midfield ace Denis Genreau says he's eager to learn all he can from a star-studded Socceroos group after linking up with Graham Arnold's squad ahead of Australia's upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️ qualification run.

Genreau has excelled for A-League side Macarthur FC this season, developing his game alongside a raft of senior, experienced professionals. The 22-year-old has not looked out of place amongst the likes of former Socceroos captain Mark Milligan and Spanish creators Beñat Etxebarria and Markel Susaeta in his most consistent season of club football to date.

The uncapped Socceroo recently touched down in the Middle East to link up with the Australian squad ahead of the resumption of the Group B FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️ Qualification campaign in Kuwait.

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Genreau is eager to continue his development on the international stage, learning from the likes of Jackson Irvine, Trent Sainsbury, Maty Ryan, Jamie Maclaren and the numerous players providing class and quality to the Socceroos' 31-man squad.

"Obviously it’s a massive honour to be selected at any level for Australia, but especially the Socceroos," Genreau said.

"It’s something I’m very proud of. I guess it’s a reward for what’s been a good season so far, but for me it’s just continuing the hard work and just be really honoured and proud of being here."

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"For me it’s just learning," Genreau added.

"Every day to be around these boys, for a young player like myself and all the other young players here as well it’s just about learning, trying to get as much information off them, advice and tips.

To play alongside them is just a massive learning experience.

Jackson Irvine is one of many experienced players who can help Genreau take his game to another level whilst in Socceroos camp.

Genreau has the potential to earn his first Socceroos cap in any of four upcoming Qualification fixtures against Kuwait, Chinese Taipei, Nepal and Jordan taking place between June 4-16 (AEST). But the incentive to feature for the senior side will be matched by Genreau's eagerness to impress Arnold ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Men’s Football Tournament.

The midfielder helped his nation qualify for the tournament as part of the Australia U-23 squad which finished third at the AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand.

Genreau says being included in Arnold's U-23 squad for the Olympic Games has been a season-long goal, and he's eager to use the current Socceroos camp to help prepare should the opportunity arise for him to board the plane to Tokyo.

"The Olympics has been a goal for me all season," Genreau said.

"To be selected before for the Socceroos it’s something that of course will be good preparation for if I am selected for the Olympics.

But for me it’s just focussing on these four games coming up, impressing Arnie as much as possible in training and if I get my opportunity I’ll give 110% for my country."