Nishan Velupillay can't quite put his finger on why his form goes to another level with the Socceroos.
Coach Tony Popovic and teammates have made it clear: whenever Velupillay plays for the Socceroos, he delivers.
The winger emerged under Popovic at Melbourne Victory, then scored on his international debut and has notched three goals and an assist across seven appearances to date.
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"One of the first meetings we had as a team, when the boss came in, was that the Socceroos is the pinnacle of your career, and I've treated it like that every time I've put on the shirt," Velupillay said.
"So I think I bring that intensity when I come on, or when I start.
"I can't really put my finger on the form but I'm just proud to be wearing the jersey."
Velupillay's start to last season was delayed by a serious ankle injury suffered in the 2024-25 finals series.
The winger was always playing catch-up and notched just four goals and one assist across 21 A-League Men games.
Eyebrows were raised when Velupillay was called into a training camp in Sarasota, then selected.
But after regaining fitness and confidence, the attacker is ready to show what he can do.
"There is a bit of a fire in the belly," Velupillay said.
"I'm keen to make an impact and I know what I can do on the pitch, and I know that I can make a difference at this level.
"Whatever's required of me, I'm ready."
Ahead of Saturday's opener against Turkey in Vancouver, the 25-year-old knows the World Cup can pique the interest of overseas clubs.
"I know it's a world stage, everyone's watching," he said.
"But I'm just sticking to what I can do day by day and if I get the chance to go on, whether it be five minutes, 10 minutes, even one minute, I'll make sure I bring that intensity and that winning mentality to help the team."
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Velupillay has also been making waves internationally, lauded as the first player of Tamil descent to play at the World Cup finals.
"I don't really know enough about it, it's a few generations back," he said.
"But it's something to be proud of.
"And look, I'm grateful for my mum and dad, and everything they've done to sacrifice for my career."
