Since establishing himself in the senior squad late in 2017, Daniel Arzani dazzled City fans and A-League followers alike with an impressive break-out season that saw him named the Young Footballer of the Year at the Dolan Warren awards.
The turn of the new year saw a new look City attack that featured the 19-year-old as a regular in Warren Joyce’s starting XI. We take a look at the key moments in Arzani’s 2017/18 campaign.
The break-out performance
In Round 14, Arzani secured a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park following an impressive performance as a second-half substitute, which saw him provide two assists for Ross McCormack.
?? Ross the Boss feat. Dan the Man – Track 1 ??
??? pic.twitter.com/9fukWhY9R8
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) January 6, 2018
First senior start
The youngster’s influence off the bench against Wellington saw him earn his first start in the senior squad three days later in City’s 2-0 win over Perth Glory at nib Stadium in Round 15.
53' | Sub City
➡ Arzani
⬅ MuscatArzani comes on to add more firepower. 0-1 #MCYvWEL
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) January 6, 2018
First goal for City
In Round 18, Arzani scored his first goal for Melbourne City with a brilliantly taken penalty in the Club’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park.
Ahead of his more experienced teammates, the youngster stepped up to the penalty spot and made no mistake with a confident shot into the bottom corner, leaving a diving Jack Duncan with no chance.
No pressure, kid!
Stutter step and all, @arzani10 stepped up to the plate to net his first A-League goal! pic.twitter.com/YkOhvUwx2Y
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) January 26, 2018
PFA A-League Player of the Month nominations
Arzani’s technical quality, ability to dribble past defenders with ease and willingness to work hard in both halves of the field saw him named the PFA A-League Player of the Month for both January and February.
NEWS | Congratulations to @MelbourneCity's Daniel Arzani for being voted the PFA @ALeague Player of the Month for January. #PlayersVote https://t.co/149FN5dZKk pic.twitter.com/fuVuL4B9mH
— The PFA (@thepfa) February 13, 2018
Young Footballer of the Year
Following his outstanding season, Daniel Arzani was crowned the Young Footballer of the Year for the 2017/18 season at the Dolan Warren Awards.
His incredible season saw him beat the likes of Bruce Kamau, Daniel De Silva, Joe Champness, Thomas Deng and Chris Ikonomidis to the award.
Just the beginning…@arzani10 #DolanWarren pic.twitter.com/iJLAkI0IO3
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) April 30, 2018
Socceroos calling
Throughout 2018, Arzani has showcased his ability to consistently perform at the highest level for his team – his performance against the Jets in City’s Semi Final loss was another example of his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Arzani’s ability to thrive under pressure paired with exquisite skill set has seen many pundits calling for him to be named in the Socceroos 2018 World Cup squad. If the youngsters performances are anything to go by, there is no doubt that he will soon be representing the Socceroos.
