Newcastle United confirmed the signing of teenage sensation, Garang Kuol last week. I teamed up with @Scout_Aussie for an in depth look at the 18-year-old.
Garang Kuol had a difficult start to life, born in 2005 in Egypt after his family fled Sudan. Later the family would arrive in Australia as refugees.
Central Coast Mariners Academy
It has been quite a rapid rise for Kuol who signed for Central Coast Mariners Academy in January last year. The attacker made six appearances in that time. He may not have contributed a goal or an assist over those appearances, however, his ability to get his team up the pitch and overall attacking threat was enough to see him called up to the senior side.
First Team Football
On December 21st 2021 Kuol made his senior debut as a substitute. The teenager certainly made an impression, scoring just seven minutes after coming on. The Mariners won 6-0 against APIA Leichhardt in the FFA Cup, the talk after that game was all about Kuol.
Kuol had to wait until April 5th to make his A-League debut. Scoring in the Mariners’ 5-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix.
Kuol would continue to catch the eye, notching four goals in seven appearances in the A-League.
A-League All Stars
After his sparkling run of form for the Mariners, Kuol earned himself a commissioner pick for the A-League All Star game against Barcelona.
Kuol was named among the substitutes, and came off the bench in the 57th minute. The youngster almost scored a sensational solo goal, following a mazy run from midfield, his effort went narrowly wide.
Kuol impressed so much during the final 33 minutes, he received praise from Barcelona manager, Xavi.
“He did really well. He created many chances, almost scored,” Xavi told Network 10 post-game.
“So 16 years quite young. Dwight Yorke told me, maybe he’s a big liar. But 16, unbelievable.
“All the best for him and all the players.”
Xavi was asked again about Kuol in his post-match press conference and added: “It was a big surprise. Very fast, he created many chances.
“We concede two or three chances because of him. So a great player and a great future. He’s a talent.”
Aussie Scout’s Verdict
Adjusting to Premier League football will be difficult, where the game is less transitional. Kuol is a very raw talent but has all the potential to be a success at Newcastle United.
Kuol’s best position is on the left, however, he is versatile across the front line. Comfortable on either foot, with great pace but lacks composure at times. Kuol will have to strengthen pretty dramatically in order to adapt to the to the physical nature of the Premier League.
Given time Kuol should become a promising player for Newcastle.