Socceroos Head Coach Bert van Marwijik has said he has seen something ‘special’ in Daniel Arzani after selecting the 19-year-old in the 32-man preliminary squad to go to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
The Dutchman selected his squad on Monday, choosng Arzani for his first senior national team squad ahead of June’s tournament.
van Marwijk not only watched the youngster but also received advice on the forward from national team scouts and former coach and fellow Dutchman John van’t Schip, saying he has a chance to make the final side.
“I heard a lot about Arzani, everybody is talking about him,” said Van Marwijk to www.socceroos.com.au.
“In February and March he didn’t play a lot and he’s very young but I heard he had something special.
“I had a few conversations with coaches that work with him and with people in Australia who watch players for us, we see matches on television and the last months and weeks he plays every week, he does very well.
“He’s a player that has something special, I like players who have something special and can decide games. He’s very young, he has to learn a lot but at this moment he earns his spot in the 32.”
The squad will be cut down to 26 before a three-week training camp in Turkey before being cut down to 23 for the final World Cup squad.
