"In a really good place" - Arzani hoping to continue strong form with Socceroos return

Daniel Arzani showed the world his dynamism and skill on debut at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™; now he is back in the Subway Socceroos fold and eager to show new dimensions to his game. 

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The winger was selected for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 after a breakout season with Melbourne City and was the youngest player ever to make a FIFA World Cup appearance for Australia, along with being the youngest player to appear at the entire tournament.

During City’s run into the A-League Men’s final series in 2017/18, he combined with the likes of recent Socceroo Bruno Fornaroli for some of the most exciting football in the competition.

Arzani did not start for Bert van Marwijk’s Australia in the World Cup, but when he came off the bench, he did so with directness and bravery, willing to take on the world’s stars.

He offered a rare set of traits in the Australian team where his turn of pace and trickery enabled him to glide past opponents. The then-teenager’s thrilling introduction to football earned him a move to Manchester City, where he looked set to take on the challenges of Europe.

While on loan at Celtic, Arzani tore his anterior cruciate ligament, with a number of subsequent injuries interrupting his development overseas. Having een unable to recapture the form of the 2018 FIFA World Cup during loans across Europe’s, Arzani returned to Australia’s domestic league with Macarthur FC for the 2022/23 season.

He endured mixed fortunes in his first year back on home shores, but the 25-year-old has had a much more productive campaign with Melbourne Victory this season.

Arzani played every regular-season match in the front line, contributing ten goal involvements en route to helping the ALM giants make the grand final, where they fell short in extra time against Central Coast Mariners.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on trophy glory with Victory, he said his spirits were raised when he received a message on the bus ride back.

“I got a message from Arnie when we were on the bus going back to the airport, the day after the grand final on Sunday, that said he wanted to call me, and I was a little bit excited when I saw that. But I didn't want to get my hopes up,” Arzani said.

“So when I got back to Melbourne, I gave him a quick call. He gave me the good news. I was absolutely ecstatic."

It's something that I've been talking about and wanting for a long time. And it's always an honour to be called up to represent your country.

Arzani said there had been moments since his injury when he doubted whether he could get back to the form that had Socceroos supporters on their feet. He said that this season with Victory had turned that all around. 

“I think along the journey that I've had the last couple of years, there were definitely moments of not believing in myself and doubting myself,” Arzani said.

“I think it really helped the team and the environment that I was in this year."

“We were very competitive, very professional, and it was a really great bunch of lads, they all got around me, and they helped me out a lot. And I'm in a really good place right now, and I'm happy to be back in the fold.

“I think this is where I belong. And hopefully, I can build on it.”

Arzani said he has changed a lot as a player since he last donned the green and gold six years ago, not necessarily adding to his flair but his work without the ball.

He also said he has matured in how he handles the pressure of being a professional footballer.

“There were certain aspects of my game that were lacking to make me a more well-rounded player,” he said. 

“I think movements off the ball are much better, I think I'm much better defensively.

“I think that's something that I struggled with early on in my career is that football was everything to me.

“And when things weren't going well, they really affected me outside of the pitch. And it snowballed from one bad performance into another into another.

It's just about being able to differentiate life outside of football from how football is going.

Arzani has been picked as part of the squad for the June international window as Australia face Bangladesh and Palestine to round out the first phase of AFC qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Australia sit on 12 points in the group after a perfect start, and a win over Bangladesh on Thursday night will help cement top spot heading into the second round of qualifying.

Arzani said he was not fully aware of the spectacle the last time he was at a World Cup and is eager to participate in another as Australia seek qualification for 2026. 

“I'd love to be a part of another one and also part of a campaign, which is not what I've done previously, I kind of just came in last second last time,” he said. 

“It'd be an incredible experience. It was an honour last time, It'd be an honour, again, it would be two World Cups for me.

“It's something that I'm going to work hard to be able to do.”

Australia take on Bangladesh on Thursday night before hosting Palestine in Perth five days later, on the 11th of June. 

Match Details

Bangladesh Subway Socceroos
Thursday, 6 June
Bashundhara Kings Arena, Dhaka
Kick-off: 4.45pm local / 8.45pm AEST
Broadcast: Paramount+

Subway Socceroos v Palestine
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
HBF Park, Perth
Kick-off: 8.05pm AWST / 10.05pm AEST
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $25 Adult, and $50 Family. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play, Paramount+