'He’s got something that a lot of youngsters don’t have': Arnold on Arzani

Celtic is the ideal destination for Daniel Arzani to continue his development, says Caltex Socceroos boss Graham Arnold.

The 19-year-old sealed his two-year loan move from Manchester City to the Scottish champions last Friday.

It's a huge step for the Iranian-born attacker, who has only completed four full matches in his senior professional career.

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But Arnold says that challenge will suit the former Melbourne City flyer down to the ground as he presses his claim for first team minutes in Glasgow.

“He's a great news story at the moment but Daniel is really only three months into his career," Arnold said.

“At Melbourne City he did exceptionally well. He’s got something that a lot of Australian youngsters don’t have and that’s flair.

“You can give him the ball and he’s great in a 1 v 1 situation. He can make things happen as he did at the World Cup when he came on.”

Arzani was the youngest player at the FIFA World Cup in Russia but it took three assertive substitute cameos to attract global attention.

This confidence was also on display in the Hyundai A-League last season. Arzani made just 15 starts for Warren Joyce's side but made 89 dribbles during the Regular Season, 22 more than any other player in the Hyundai A-League.

Arnold will be watching his progress at Celtic Park closely as he prepares to nurture the 19-year-old's potential.

Arzani's track record of instant impact might even see Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers unleash his new talent sooner rather than later, after a tricky start to the season on and off the pitch for the reigning Scottish champions.

The Caltex Socceroos boss said Rodgers is the perfect mentor to turn Arzani's flashes of brilliance into consistent week by week performances.

“It’s about transferring that into 90 minute games.

"Going to Celtic with Brendan Rodgers is a fantastic move and Tommy Rogic is with him to help him on his way.

"The Scottish league will be a good step up for him. What’s important is that the kid gets game time.

"It’s a winning culture at Celtic as well, but also they play close to 60 games a year – I imagine Daniel will get a lot of game time."

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