Over 18 months ago, Newcastle agreed a deal to sign Aussie talent Garang Kuol; a teenager with real potential who has had a tough time since sealing a move to Tyneside.
At 18 years old, Kuol made his A league debut for Central Coast Mariners, played in the 2022 World Cup and signed for Newcastle United. However, Kuol has had a slow start to his Newcastle career, enduring two frustrating loan spells.
Shortly after arriving from Australia, he spent the second half of the 2022/23 season at Hearts. He played nine times (205 minutes) for the Scottish side and registered one goal, which was a 94th minute equaliser at Rangers:
😲 Hearts with a 93rd minute equaliser!
Substitute Garang Kuol snatches a point for the visitors…the last kick of the game! Your thoughts on the match? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NQPVKYV7lh
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 24, 2023
Ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, the 19-year-old sealed a season-long loan move to Eredivisie side FC Volendam. This move seemed like the perfect destination for Kuol, as Volendam gave more minutes to U21 players than any other side in Eredivisie or Europe’s top five leagues over the 2022/23 season.
Volendam also played a 4-3-3 at the time and a style of football that would translate well with Howe’s Newcastle. It was a promising start for Kuol, who got more minutes in the starting 11 and registered two goals/assists in his first six games, also winning their goal of the month.
However within three months, Kuol found himself at a club with no head coach, no technical staff or a chairman; three key members of staff who likely played a key role in him signing for the club. Volendam then appointed a new coach, who switched their style of play to more defensive approach in an attempt to avoid relegation.
A switch of formation to 5-3-2 from 4-3-3 meant there was no place in the side for Kuol. This led to him making just three more appearances between early December (2023) and April, with an injury in May ensuring he played just 32 minutes of league football in 2024; a real shame but something that may explain why he looked so rusty in Newcastle’s post-season friendlies in Australia last month.
What are Kuol’s strengths?
His main strength has to be his versatility, he can play either wing and up front. He is so fast and direct, with and without the ball. His work ethic has also been praised, as he is such a driven person; which comes across in his interviews.
Wim Jonk, the head coach at Volendam when Kuol joined, said, “He was the first to arrive at the club, the last to leave the gym”. Technically, Kuol has real potential, he is a great ball striker and a good finisher for his age.
Toon-bound Garang Kuol scored twice in a 41 minute cameo for Central Coast Mariners today, including this stunning strike! 🤩
Last weekend, he came off the bench and bagged two assists.
Serious talent and one to watch at the World Cup! 🇦🇺⚫️⚪️#NUFC
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) November 13, 2022
He is also a positive and direct player who loves to drive at his full back and take them on in 1v1 situations. He’s comfortable cutting in on his right foot and taking a shot at the far post.
What does Kuol need to work on?
Kuol struggled with his positioning at Volendam, mainly defensively. He struggled to know who to cover and how to help the defence. Physically he needs a lot of work as well, having a slight build that allows him to be easily bullied.
He needs to play. Kuol is still so inexperienced, meaning regular game time has to be a top priority for his next move. It will be interesting to see where he ends up, whether that be in a technical/tactical league or a division that’s more physical. I personally think a more technical league is needed, as he’d be more likely to play in a side that offers attacking, positive football; something that will suit his profile.
Conclusion
I think it’s harsh to write off Kuol, who is still so inexperienced after only 1,643 minutes of football across his entire professional career in domestic league/cup games. To put that into context, Lewis Miley played 1,754 minutes in all competitions this season.
Kuol is still a very talented footballer with a lot of potential, so patience is needed. He is still 2-3 seasons away from Premier League football, but I do believe he will get there. Improvements on his tactical understanding, defensive positioning and physicality is required for him to make the step up. But I think he would improve in all those departments with regular minutes at the right club, meaning we need to get his next loan move right.
He has been really unlucky at Volendam – a move that could have been successful for him had off-field issues not occurred – so a similar move to a technical division could be something the club take a serious look at this summer.
