Step aside Tom, Vidmar believes Arzani could be new wizard of Oz
Former Australia captain Aurelio sees all the qualities that could well send
DANIEL Arzani is capable of developing into a world-class talent just like his Australia team-mate Tom Rogic under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, it was last night claimed.
Arzani is poised to complete a £1.5 million transfer from Melbourne City to Manchester City, who are both owned by the City Football Group, in the coming days.
And he is expected to be loaned out to Celtic, who look set to beat off competition from a host of interested clubs around Europe, for the next two seasons immediately after that.
The 19-year-old is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge Down Under in many years and came on as a substitute for the Socceroos in all three of their group games at Russia 2018.
Rodgers described the winger as “very talented” after watching his side defeat Rosenborg in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round at Parkhead on Wednesday night.
He also stated Celtic are working behind the scenes to strengthen his squad before the close of the transfer window next month and admitted they had identified Arzani as a target.
Aurelio Vidmar, the former Australia Under-23 manager and brother of ex-Rangers defender Tony, is, like so many of his compatriots, a huge admirer of the raw youngster.
He has heard glowing reports about the capabilities of the attacking midfielder, who was named A-League Young Player of the Year last season, from his younger sibling, who is his assistant manager at Melbourne.
Vidmar believes the former under-23 player, who has won five caps for his senior national team this year, can become every bit as good as his countryman Rogic in Scotland under Rodgers.
“There was a lot of interest in Daniel over here i n Australia this summer – first of all when he got selected into the squad for the World Cup and then obviously when he got some game time at the finals,” he said.
“I wouldn’t like to go so far as to say he is someone who has got the X Factor, but he has certainly got something different. He is a player who dribbles and that is something that has gone out of the game, especially over here. A lot of coaches coach that out of players who have that talent.
“He is certainly one who can get past people and make things happen. That is a special quality in my opinion. He is a class player. He is somebody who can change a game within minutes. Those type of players are always loved by supporters.
“It took Tom Rogic quite a bit of ti me to get an opportunity with Celtic and establish himself in the first team. But once he got an extended run he cemented himself in the team. I believe he is a world-class player now. Daniel has got that same opportunity.”
Vidmar himself played in Europe for Standard Liege in Belgium, Feyenoord in the Netherlands, Sion in Switzerland and Tenerife in Spain during his own distinguished playing career.
The former Australia captain and midfielder, who won a total of 44 caps for his country between 1991 and 2001, believes it is important for Arzani to move to the right club in order to fulfil his potential at this critical stage.
He feels he has to play regularly and also has to move to a club where his talents, not least his ability to beat a man in a one-on-one situation, will be fully utilised.
But the 51-year-old is confident that joining the Scottish champions on a long-term loan from their English counterparts City will help him get better and in time justify the enormous hype that surrounds him.
Former Swansea City and Liverpool manager Rodgers has a proven track record working with youngsters and also likes his teams to play in a swashbuckling style with wide players very much to
the fore. James Forrest, Patrick Roberts and Scott Sinclair have all been key men for the Northern Irishman both domestically and in Europe during his two hugely successful seasons in Scotland.
“Players have to make the right choice when they are choosing what club to move to and go to a club which fits their style of play,” said Vidmar.
“I would think he will be able to handle if he goes to a club like Celtic. He has got a lot of confidence. He is, just like Tommy Rogic, very sure of himself and that is a very good quality.
“The most important thing for someone of such a young age who has, it shouldn’t be forgotten, on ly played s i x months of senior football last season, goes somewhere that he can play week in, week out.
“If he doesn’t he is going to lose one or two years in development and that is going to be very crucial at such an age.
“But Brendan obviously favours younger players and likes to give them an opportunity. Plus, he likes his Celtic side to play with wingers. That type of game will absolutely suit Daniel.” He continued: “I think Daniel knows that once he signs for Manchester City they are going to loan him out somewhere. “He will be wasting his time trying to get into Pep Guardiola’s squad straight away. He needs to go somewhere that he is going to play. “He is still very young. He has got a lot to learn. He has only played under a year of senior football. But he can improve very quickly with the right coaching. He definitely needs the right coach, someone who is going to spend time nurturing him.
“Brendan has got a good eye for young players having started off in the game as a youth coach. He has got a proven track record for working with promising footballers and making them better.
“His type of football, his style of play, suits Daniel just like it suits Tommy. If he went to another club where they smash the ball long and fight for second balls then he would definitely suffer. But going to a club where they want to play football and utilise wingers will suit him.”