Why Socceroos boss Graham Arnold believes Nestory Irankunda remains an unfinished product – ‘long way to go’

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has praised Nestory Irankunda for his growing maturity, but warned there was still a ‘long way to go’ before the Bayern Munich-bound A-League wonder reaches his full potential.

Irankunda scored from the penalty spot after coming on as a substitute in Australia’s 5-0 defeat to Palestine in Tuesday night’s FIFA World Cup qualifier in Perth.

It was the 18-year-old forward’s first goal for the Socceroos in just his second appearance for the national team after making his debut in the 2-0 win over Bangladesh in Dhaka last Thursday.

“He has done everything we asked,” Arnold said as he reflected on Irankunda’s contribution both on and off the field in the Socceroos camp.

However, it was a different story when he was part of Joeys’ squad at the Under-17 Asian Cup last year, where Arnold was present.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has praised Nestory Irankunda (pictured) for his growing maturity, but warned there was still a ‘long way to go’ before the Bayern Munich wonderkid realizes his full potential

As the Socceroos defeated Palestine 5-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Monday, Arnold revealed Irankunda was a popular figure with his teammates.

“You could see he was a bit immature there and wasn’t as disciplined as he should have been, but in this camp he hasn’t been late to any meetings,” the Socceroos boss said.

“The older boys really took care of him. He had a great camp.

‘Now he goes to Bayern, and it’s up to him. There is a lot of hard work to be done.

‘It’s just the beginning, it’s not the end. It’s not like it’s all over because you went to Bayern.

‘It’s all about hard work, passion and drive. Of course he is an exciting talent, but there is still a long way to go.”

Arnold also praised the ‘honesty’ of Tuesday’s man of the match Kusini Yengi, who despite scoring a brace in Perth admitted he needed to improve and eliminate some ‘sloppy touches’.

“The boy is very honest and he has achieved his own performance,” Arnold said of the former Adelaide United and Western Sydney marksman, who now plies his trade with English club Portsmouth.

“He obviously did well, scored two goals and assisted a few times, but there were a few sloppy moments where he turned over possession, which could have hurt us against a better team, but he will learn from that.

Australia maintained its perfect World Cup qualifying record with a 5-0 win on Tuesday (photo: Nestory Irankunda celebrates his goal)

In-form striker Kusini Yengi scored twice as the Socceroos beat Palestine 5-0 in Perth

Thousands attended the match in Perth to support the visitors during the ongoing Gaza war

‘I’ve always been a fan of his. When he was with Adelaide and the Wanderers I could see he had that strength, that power and that ability, and it’s just going to grow and grow.”

Yengi has now scored four goals in his past three Socceroos appearances as he continues to push for a permanent place in Australia’s starting XI.

“My job is to go out there and do my best and contribute to the team, and if I play well and be successful then I’m sure ‘Arnie’ (Arnold) will reward me,” said the 25-year-old said ahead of time.

‘I’ve had some great experiences and now I’m reaching new heights by representing the national team and gaining promotion (to the English Championship) with Portsmouth, which is very exciting and fun.

“I want to build on those things next (season) and keep improving, score more goals and have an even better 12 months.”