The Aussie x-factor a Socceroos legend hopes Arnold uses in Qatar

Socceroos legend Harry Kewell urged Graham Arnold to unleash wonder kid Garang Kuol on the global stage, saying the “fearless” X-factor must not be a passenger at the FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Kewell, who represented Australia in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, remains the youngest Socceroo ever blooded at 17 years and seven months against Chile in 1996.

But at 18 years and three months, Kuol will be the youngest Socceroo to feature at a World Cup if he plays in Qatar.

Socceroos ‘golden generation’ member Kewell dearly hopes he does, expecting big things from the prodigy.

“He’s fearless. He’s quick. And that’s one thing that the defenders are scared of,” Celtic coach Kewell told AAP on Wednesday. 

“That’s something that we could bring on the pitch – whether it’s at the start or half-time or the last 10 minutes, it’s something Graham’s got at his disposal, and I just hope he uses it.

“If you’re in the squad, every single one of the players that are in the squad should be good enough to start.

“I hope we just don’t bring him to just be part of the squad and ‘experience’ it because no player wants to do that, especially not a young player.”

Kewell believes the Socceroos can’t afford not to utilise Kuol’s special talents and hopes the youngster will thrive on sport’s biggest stage.

“One thing when you have with a young player that’s got raw pace and power and is fearless – that’s the best key to unlock defences because they just don’t know what he’s capable of doing,” he said.

“I think if you start to go on a football field, feeling nervous and anxious and all that, it’s a shame because you shouldn’t be. You’re trained your whole life for moments like this.

“Speaking from my experience, I always walked out there with the vision that it’s my house. I was never going to let anyone dictate to me what I can and can’t do in my own house. 

“So I walked out there and I was comfortable. Hopefully he feels the same.”

The Socceroos play their first “group of death” match against reigning champions France on Wednesday morning AEDT.

“It’s going to be a tough ask, but the one thing that I’ll be doing is supporting them,” Kewell said.

“Qualifying for the World Cup is not easy. I think we’ve taken it for granted for so many years but now it’s completely different. It’s competitive. It’s a lot tougher for us to qualify. 

“I take my hat off to this team. I wish them a lot of success and I hope they go out there and enjoy it.”