Melbourne City’s Daniel Arzani capped a stellar breakthrough season by claiming the Hyundai A-League’s NAB Young Footballer of the Year accolade at the Dolan Warren Awards on Monday night.
He became the first male City player to receive the honour after thrilling supporters and neutrals alike with his exceptional pace, skill and vision.
The young winger had to wait until Round 11 to break into the matchday squad, while his maiden senior start came in Round 15.
He didn’t need long to make a big impression.
City went unbeaten in Arzani’s first five matches in the starting XI and he held his spot through to the Semi Final defeat at Newcastle Jets on Friday night.
. @arzani10 is named the Young Footballer of the Year! #DolanWarren pic.twitter.com/pctcs862l4
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) April 30, 2018
Never affording opposition defenders any peace, the 19-year-old completed the campaign with two goals – the second a sublime curling effort against Perth Glory – and three assists to his credit.
Indeed, no City player managed more assists during Arzani’s time in the team, and only Luke Brattan created more scoring chances than the teenager’s 23.
Most eye-catching has been the Australian youth international’s swagger on the ball.
He completed 89 dribbles throughout the regular season – 22 more than any other Hyundai A-League player – and attempted 19 shots.
It’s that kind of inherent belief that should see the latest NAB Young Footballer of the Year kick-on across a career packed with promise.
