World Cup Scout: Daniel Arzani, Socceroos and Iran eligibility
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Loading...Perth Now – MELBOURNE, DANIEL Arzani is now well and truly in the frame to go to the World Cup, but it might not be with Australia.
The young Melbourne City has been on fire in the A-League, with former Socceroo Mark Bosnich calling for the Socceroos to “arrange a game against anyone and just cap him” in order to lock in the starlet.
That’s because Asian football rival Iran are sniffing about in a bid to tempt Arzani to switch allegiances. Arzani, born in Iran, has already attracted the interest of Team Melli coach Carlos Queiroz, who could hand the youngster a call up according to the Herald Sun.
New coach Bert van Marwijk wasn’t at Suncorp Stadium to watch Arzani star against Brisbane Roar, but FFA’s head of national teams Luke Casserly is set to make an official approach to the 19-year-old to convince him to commit to Australia.
Casserly told AAP it would be “disappointing” if Arzani defected having represented Australia at youth level.
Yet despite Bosnich’s calls to cap the youngster, it wouldn’t be enough to keep him away from the grasp of Iran.
According to FIFA rules, Arzani – who has Iranian heritage through his parents – can opt to play for Iran despite playing youth internationals for Australia.
The only way Iran would be unable to field Arzani would be if the attacker plays a competitive, senior international – the next of which is at the World Cup!
“The kid is a super talent,” said 60-cap former Socceroo John Kosmina on Fox Sports News 500.
“he’s exciting – he loves to dribble, loves to take players on, takes risks and he’s cocky which is great. It’s that little bit of likable arrogance and he’s getting results. He’s clever, doesn’t mind the odd nutmeg but he gets into good areas and his delivery and execution is generally spot on.
Kosmina added: “There’s already talk of him being the next $1 million player to transfer overseas but I guess the big issue is his Iranian heritage.
“We need to get him capped for Australia because he could be a great asset for us. In terms of his skill and what he has to offer, we have to focus on that and get him [locked] in.”
