Socceroos struggle to lock in Daniel Arzani

FourFourTwo – MELBOURNE, The Socceroos could have a fight on their hands to keep prodigious youngster Daniel Arzani from playing for the Iranian national team.

Reports have emerged that the Iranian national team – the highest ranked Asian nation by FIFA, who are also in preparation for the 2018 World Cup – are interested in calling up the Melbourne City midfielder.

Arzani, for his part, hasn’t aligned himself with Australia, telling reporters that he wasn’t sure who he wanted to represent.

“To be honest, I haven’t really thought about it at all,” Arzani said.

“I’d have to talk to my parents, I’d have to talk to my father and we’d have to decide together.

“I’ve got no idea.”

Whether this is a ploy by the 19-year-old to fast-track a move into the Socceroos, or a genuine desire to play for the country of his heritage, remains unknown, but should a genuine call from Iran emerge, the Socceroos could lose on of their brightest talents.

Previously, some dual-national Aussies – such as Chris Ikonomidis – have played for the Socceroos before making senior club appearances due to Australia’s fear of losing talent to other nations.

Arzani is a product of the now-defunct FFA Cen e of Excellence and has played for Australia at u/17, u/20 and u/23 level.

Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) Head of National Teams, Luke Casserly, told Associated Press that the governing body has “invested” in Arzani.

“We’ve invested a fair bit in him over the years,” Casserly told AAP.

“It would be disappointing if he was to change allegiances. But, as always, it’s the decision of the individual.”