Ones to Watch: Andrew Nabbout (Australia)

31st December 2018

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Kuala Lumpur: An injury-struck Socceroos side sees Andrew Nabbout come to the forefront as a key attacking weapon less than a year since making his international debut. 



Following the retirement of legends Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak after the 2018 FIFA World Cup, new boss Graham Arnold found himself facing an onerous rebuilding task. At the heart of his new-look attack-minded Socceroos team is versatile forward Andrew Nabbout.

Nationality: Australia

Date of birth: 17/12/1992

Position: Forward

Current club: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

Previous clubs: Caroline Springs George Cross, Heidelberg United, Moreland Zebras, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets (All Australia), Negeri Sembilan (Malaysia)



International background

Five years after turning down an offer to represent his parents home nation, Lebanon, Nabbout finally earned his first call-up for the country of his birth in March 2018 in a friendly match against Norway. The 26-year-old broke his international duck in a friendly against the Czech Republic in May.

The Melbourne-born forward established himself in the Socceroos' setup and three months on from his debut, he was turning out at the grandest of stages, starting against France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Nabbout goes into the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with two international goals under his belt, having scored in the 5-0 friendly win against Oman days before the start of the tournament.

Style of play

Nabbout has frequently been used as a striker at club and country level, offering Australia a quick and skillful option up front. However, the Urawa Red Diamonds man is equally adept out wide on the left flank.

Cutting in from the wing on his right foot, Nabbout poses a danger on opposition defences with his ability to change direction at pace, allowing himself options for shooting at either corner or crossing be it from deep or at the byline.

Nabbout's early scoring record for Australia may not be the greatest (two goals in his first eight games), but being a late-bloomer (he made his international debut aged 25), the striker has the talent and the attitude to reach greater heights in the gold and green jersey.

What to look for

Australia have been extremely unfortunate with injuries and fitness issues ahead of their upcoming title defence. Daniel Arzani and Aaron Mooy were ruled out of the squad, while Mathew Leckie and Tom Rogic face late fitness tests and are likely to miss at least the first match.

Despite the challenges, Arnold's men have been in impressive form, scoring 13 goals and conceding just once in their four friendly matches since the World Cup.

Syria, Jordan and Palestine will present the Socceroos with various levels of tests, but Australia will have their eyes set on going far in the UAE. Maybe even become the first side to defend their title since Japan in 2004.

Where and when to watch him:

Australia v Jordan

Venue: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain

Kick-off: January 6, 15:00 UTC+4

Australia vs Palestine

Venue: Rashid Stadium, Dubai

Kick-off: January 11, 15:00 UTC+4

Australia vs Syria

Venue: Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain

Kick-off: January 15, 17:30 UTC+4


Source: the-afc.com

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