If there was a moment that summed up the potential of Ariath Piol, it was his brilliant solo goal against Western Sydney Wanderers on New Year’s Day.
Forget his unbelievable bicycle kick against Sydney FC earlier in the Isuzu UTE A-League. Against the Wanderers, the 20-year-old Macarthur Bulls forward bullied his opponent as he outmuscled and outpaced Western Sydney defender Alex Bonetig before composing himself and producing an ice-cold finish.
It continued Piol’s breakout season with the Bulls in 2024-25. The talented Australian has scored three league goals in nine appearances this season, though he has only started four games.
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He also caught the attention of Danish legend Thomas Sorensen, who starred in the Premier League before finishing his career with Melbourne City in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
On this week’s episode of A-Leagues Download, Sorensen likened him to another South Australian product – 18-year-old Socceroos sensation Nestory Irankunda, who this week completed a loan move to Swiss outfit Grasshoppers from German giants Bayern Munich.
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“Just the physical ability,” said Sorensen on Total A-Leagues. “Sometimes you see that, but they can’t quite work it or make it sort of into an advantage.
“But if he can continue and work hard, he’s a little bit Irankunda-ish but bigger. They’ve got some good young talent.”
During the segment, Total A-Leagues host Max Rushden also referenced Manchester City and Norway superstar Erling Haaland while highlighting Piol’s growth in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
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Piol only joined the Bulls on a scholarship contract in February 2024, having impressed in the club’s academy side at NPLM NSW level in 2023, before re-committing for a further two seasons in May.
Mile Sterjovski has relied more on Piol this season and he is repaying the faith.
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“You’re right about the technique for the finish, right? Because that’s the key, isn’t it, to have the skill and the talent as well as physicality,” Rushden said.
“It’s interesting. Erling Haaland, I think, was actually quite small as a kid, so sort of learn how to play football, then suddenly just went like this (upwards).
“And if you’re incredibly strong and quick, you don’t necessarily have to when you’re playing youth football or ever learn the technical side of the game, because you can sort of get away with.
“Fact that he’s got that in glimpses, he’s got a lovely touch, intelligent player as well.”
Sorensen added: “He’s not the finished product, You can see the ingredients for a great cake (laughter).”
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