It was another impressive cameo from City midfielder Daniel Arzani on Friday night, as the 18-year-old made his fifth senior appearance this season. But few City fans may know that the starlet has had quite an interesting journey to senior football.
Joining City at the start of the 2016/17 season, Arzani transitioned to a senior A-League deal from Football Federation Australia’s Centre of Excellence, after he was quickly identified as one of Australia’s emerging young midfield talents.
Representing the country at Under 16 and 17 level, the allure of senior football with Melbourne City tempted the Sydneysider over to Melbourne, as the impressive surroundings of the City Football Academy helped him in making his final decision.
It was the connection to the global group of Clubs however that had impressed Arzani and the midfielder got a taste of that during a short training camp in Manchester in May 2016.
Arzani spent two weeks training with Manchester City’s Elite Development squad at the world-class City Football Academy in Manchester, before signing with Melbourne City.
City fans saw the full spectrum of Arzani’s talents during the 2017 National Youth League Grand Final where the starlet dominated the contest in a man-of-the-match performance.
Arzani played a major part in all of City’s goals during the Championship-winning match, famously cramping in both hamstrings after scoring a late penalty.
Having played five senior matches this season – averaging just over nine minutes a match – there is no doubt the thirst for senior football drives the youngster to keep improving as he continues his impressive rise as a not only a City player but as a footballer.
