Former Premier League striker Dwight Yorke has tipped soon-to-be Newcastle signing Garang Kuol to impress for Australia at the World Cup after a great start to the season with Central Coast Mariners.
Despite not starting a single match yet, the 18-year-old forward has already scored an impressive six times in 13 appearances for the A-League side – averaging a goal every 55 minutes.
Newcastle confirmed that a deal had been struck back in September for a fee of around £350k, but the striker will only officially join the 1st January, 2023.
Yorke – who manages A-League side Macarthur FC – believes the young star has ‘got the x-factor’ and is very excited to watch his progression both at the World Cup and at Newcastle in the Premier League over the coming years.
The 51-year-old also stated that Kuol seems to be getting ‘stronger and fitter’, feeling he is ‘one to watch’ in Qatar and a ‘special talent.’
“His rise is one that has been notable and he’s been tremendous to that point and yesterday was just another moment where you think this guy has got the x-factor.
“He’s done it consistently, certainly since that move to Newcastle. He seems to get stronger and fitter and he is one to watch.
“He’s one that will be a surprise. I’m not sure how Graham Arnold will use him in his squad, but he is magical, he’s got that x-factor. Certainly yesterday we found out in no uncertain terms that he is a special talent.”
See the highlights of the game Yorke was referring to below, which features Kuol winning a penalty, scoring a penalty and drawing them level with a stunning strike from the angle:
