Kewell’s new favourite Socceroo is not who you might think
Updated . First published at
Which Socceroos young gun is Harry Kewell most excited about? The first name out of the Wizard of Oz’s mouth is not the one you might think.
“What I was impressed with yesterday was (Paul) Okon-Engstler,” Kewell told nine.com.au in the wake of Australia’s stunning 2-0 World Cup upset of Turkiye.
Paul Okon-Engstler of Australia in action. Getty
“And even just learning more about him on the way he plays the game. He’s a very forward-thinking player, and I think that’s what you need in a team that is maybe slightly more defensive.
“You still need a player in your team that is going to look forward because the one thing that we do have is pace and power up top. So again, for him to be able to play those balls forward, which our strikers can actually latch onto, is huge.”
Okon-Engstler, the 21-year-old from Sydney FC, was a surprise selection ahead of veteran Jackson Irvine in Australia’s engine room.
But that shock got overshadowed by Tony Popovic’s even bigger call to start Patrick Beach - like Kewell an alumnus of Westfields Sports High School - ahead of captain Mat Ryan in goal.
“It’s a moment in time that we’re going to remember for a long time,” Kewell said.
“We always talk about giving young players the opportunity, but when is the right time? We found the right time was yesterday to throw them in.
“They excelled, so congratulations to not only the Socceroos but special congratulations to Popa for having the courage to be able to.”
Okon-Engstler’s assured performance made a mockery out of nepotism claims from dark corners of the internet.
An emotional Paul Okon. SBS
The midfielder is the son of the legendary Paul Okon - now a member of the Socceroos coaching staff.
Okon’s emotional sideline embrace with Popovic for a job well done was just one of many highlights on a momentous day for Australian football in Vancouver.
Kewell is a huge name in Türkiye from his time with Galatasaray and had no issue with captain Hakan Calhanoglu doubling down on his claim that they had dominated the Socceroos.
“You would have to say that Türkiye did dominate the game,” the ex-Liverpool ace and Hanoi FC coach said.
“They had a lot of the ball possession. I think they had something like 27 shots on target, so they did dominate the game. But the crucial thing about football is putting the ball in the back of the net.
Tony Popovic and Harry Kewell of Australia undergo a fitness test. Getty
“We’ve all played in games where we’ve dominated, and we’ve got nothing from it. The most important rule of football is putting the ball in the back of the net, and we did that.”
Kewell hoped the young Socceroos had taken 24 hours to enjoy their achievement before resetting their sights on a seismic clash with the USA on Saturday (AEST).
Hype and distractions will grow, with Lucas Herrington already linked with Barcelona and Irankunda likely to move on from Watford.
Kewell thought Okon-Engstler and Irankunda had Premier League potential but stressed the hard work ahead.
“Big ask because it’s one game, but they’re making the right steps forward,” Kewell said.
“And I think the one thing that top clubs really look for is consistency. Players can go out there and play one good game, but they’ve got to be able to back it up, and you need to be able to back it up at the highest level, and if they can do that, then they’ve got every chance.”
Kewell scored 57 goals in 274 Premier League appearances for Leeds United and Liverpool.
He outlined what Irankunda needed to do to excel in the top-flight.
Nestory Irankunda of Australia celebrates scoring his team's first goal. Getty
“If he can get that consistency, scoring goals, taking opportunities, relieving his teammates, because we are going to suffer,” he said.
“And we can suffer in moments because we’re strong enough, but he’s got to be able to carry that ball strong and be able to get that back line up so they can get a rest. So if you can get a lot more of that into his action, then he’s got a bright future.”
After calling the World Cup for SBS, Kewell celebrated on Monday by knocking over Liam Stapleton’s United States in a EA Sports FC 26 video game promotion in Sydney. Bodes well for the weekend.
