Newcastle United new boy Garang Kuol has been told he's 'in contention' for a spot at the Qatar World Cup later this year. Australia coach Graham Arnold admits that the young striker still has a lot to learn in order to reach to the top.
Kuol penned a four-year deal with the Magpies after impressing for Central Coast Mariners last year. He scored four goals in seven appearances - including one seven minutes into his debut for the club - attracting interest from the likes of Celtic, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
New laws regarding work permits in the UK mean the youngster will head out on loan in Europe after making the move to Tyneside official in January. The Magpies have reportedly beaten off a number of top European clubs for his signature and Arnold thinks it's a great opportunity for Kuol.
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"He's in contention," Arnold told Code Sports when asked about Kuol's World Cup chances. He was something different when he came on (in the recent friendly versus New Zealand) and that's what we're looking for.
"But again, he has a lot to learn. He is rough and he is raw, and that's expected at the age of 18. I've shown I'm prepared to take these kinds of risks, and that's to shock and surprise opponents, but he's got a long, long way to go.
"It’s a great opportunity but straight away he is getting loaned out (first to the Mariners, then elsewhere). Hopefully where they do loan him out to, they’ve got the resources and they’ve got the right coach and right environment for him because that’s very important for a young player, that he feels at home (because) he’s leaving his family and everyone behind here."
There have been early comparison's between former Manchester City prospect Daniel Arzani, who signed for the Premier League giants in 2018, but would not make a senior appearance for Pep Guardiola's side.
"I think you can’t even compare that (situation)," said Arnold. "Daniel had at least started his A-League journey and at least shown that he could get through 80 minutes. I’m sitting here and I can say I don’t know how Garang would go in a 90-minute game."
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