Nestory Irankunda knows he has the world at his feet – everyone keeps telling him.
Now the teen sensation feels he belongs in the Socceroos, and is determined to break through for a Bundesliga debut with Bayern Munich.
Irankunda started against China in his home town of Adelaide, playing a half, then was left on the bench for Australia’s 1-1 draw with Japan in Saitama.
But with another camp under his belt, the 18-year-old is growing in confidence.
“I feel like I belong here. Everybody that gets called up belongs here,” Irankunda said after the Japan game.
“I’ve proven myself over a period I’ve been playing that I can do it at a high level.
“So I’m happy to always get the call from the coaches to come in here.
“It’s been a very special camp.
“Playing in front of friends and family back in Adelaide with obviously a few of the Adelaide boys was a great moment for me and I’ll cherish that forever.
“Also to be here in Japan, even though I didn’t play, I’m so happy. Obviously there was a lot of quality on the pitch. But yeah, always happy to be around the environment.”
The October window was Irankunda’s first under new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.
“It’s been good. Intense,” Irankunda said.
“Still a lot that I’ve got to work on but I’ve learned a lot as well.”
Irankunda’s Socceroos teammates get a first-hand look at the quietly confident teenager’s potential – and his thumping right boot.
Jackson Irvine described Irankunda as a player “willing to learn and listen” as he manoeuvres through the early stages of his career.
Defender Jason Geria said Irankunda “just needs to be nurtured”.
“He’s only 18 still – he’s just a baby,” Geria added.
“I don’t even know if you can name any other Australian players bar maybe Harry Kewell who’s been in a position like him.
“So he’s handling it really well as well, which I think he probably doesn’t get a lot of credit for.”
Irankunda is close with defender Thomas Deng, who stresses the importance of staying grounded – but has noticed the explosive winger maturing from camp to camp.
“He’s a young kid so you’ve got to let him express himself,” Deng, 27, told AAP.
Irankunda also has a wealth of senior teammates to lean on at Bayern for advice – if he wants it.
“Advice?” Irankunda says with a grin.
“It’s the same advice from everyone, just: ‘you’ve got the world at your feet, put your head down, work hard’ – and I know that as well.
“I just have to work hard and my chances will come and I’ll take them.”
Irankunda has been playing for Bayern Munich II since joining in June.
But he has been training with their seniors – who boast players like England star Harry Kane – and has his sights set on winning first-team game time.
“I’ll hopefully be on the bench at least – it’s gonna be a great achievement for me,” Irankunda said.
“I’m training with the first team every day, so I’m learning new things every day as well. So hopefully I get a chance soon.”
And he knows the work that’s going to take to get there.
“Just the same that I always do – go back, work hard, perform, try and get minutes. That’s about it,” he said.
“I enjoy the life there, it’s nice. It’s different to back home – all on my own so try to make the most of it.”
