Subway Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold lauded Adelaide United and the work of head coach Carl Veart as he spoke glowingly about South Australia as a hotbed of Australian football.
Arnold was speaking to reporters following the announcement the Subway Socceroos will host China in a 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifier at Adelaide Oval on October 10.
The Australia boss discussed player development in South Australia, where Isuzu UTE A-League outfit Adelaide have helped unearth exciting prospects and Socceroos.
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Subway Socceroos Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda), Joe Gauci (Aston Villa), Nestory Irankunda (Bayern Munich), Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough), Awer Mabil (Grasshoppers) and Mohamed Toure (Randers) have all come through South Australia and played for the Reds.
“I think the development they’re doing here is fantastic,” Arnold told reporters.
“They’re giving a kids a chance. Carl Veart is doing a fantastic job. A local coach. I think that’s a big thing – having a local coach who understands the local game and the grassroots here.
“South Australia football is developing players very well and it’s helping us a lot.”
Arnold added: “At this moment, there’s boys like Yengi who have come from here and moved overseas.
“I reckon there’d be half a dozen, maybe eight and they’ve been with us – Joe Gauci, Craig Goodwin, Riley McGree.
“The energy that brings to those boys to give them that life-time dream of playing in their home state in front of family and mates, it’s fantastic.”
