Fast-track Zach targets Tokyo as Arnold prepares to unleash young guns

By his own admission, teenage midfielder Zach Duncan is outstripping expectations as he strives to turn a breakthrough season in Denmark into a breakout January for his country.

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Hailed by Graham Arnold as a key cog of his soon-to-be-named squad for the AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand, Duncan, 19, arrived at Superliga club AGF Aarhus in June expecting to be barely a bit-part player on a steep learning curve.

But the former Brisbane Roar junior’s all-action attributes saw him fast-tacked into first team calculations almost immediately, and with 14 appearances thus far there’s been no turning back.

The four-year deal Duncan signed six months ago as a free agent is looking like good business for both club and player, with Duncan now aiming to play his part of helping the Olyroos claim a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“I went over there thinking it would be a season where I might be in and around the squad, learn a lot and maybe on the bench a few times, and possibly an appearance here and there,” said the Sydney-born youngster.

“But I started training well and when my first opportunity came I think I came on and made an impact.

“I got lucky, there was a two-game ban for one of the first choice midfielders and I came in and started against Horsens (back in August).”

He played another 90 minutes in a 3-0 away win at Brondby, playing alongside Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini - whom he describes as the “king of Aarhus” - and coach David Nielsen’s belief in him began to blossom.

“They’ve backed me and shown faith in me - they have a lot of good young players and like to give them opportunities, so I’ve benefited from that,” added Duncan.

“Playing in the same line up as Musti has been a big factor too ... he’s like the king of Aarhus and has helped me a lot.

“He’s always got an encouraging word. If I make a mistake I get angry at myself he comes over and says ‘next time’ and lifts me up again.”

Uncapped at any level by Australia until the recent Olyroos camps in China and Qatar, Duncan is earning a reputation as a workaholic number six or eight with a cool head, good vision and a calm assurance on the ball.

AGF’s director of football Peter Christiansen has described him as a Socceroo in the making, whilst Arnold - who holds both the Olyroos and Socceroos coaching reins - is perfectly placed to decide when, or if, he’s ready to take the next step.

“As of six months ago, I’d never been involved in any national team set-ups before and to come into the Olyroos has been a massive goal of mine,” said Duncan.

“Getting the call made me proud - knowing Graham Arnold has been watching our games (with AGF teammate Alex Gersbach also to be named this weekend in Olyroos’ 23-man squad).

“We’ve had the two recent camps in the Middle East and China and there was a big progression from one to the next.

“We played a good brand of football and I think we’ve got a great chance of qualifying for the Olympics.”

Australia face Iraq first up on January 8 in the group phase, then hosts Thailand (January 11) and Bahrain (January 14), with the top four finishers at the tournament qualifying for Tokyo.

As for future Socceroos expectations, Duncan is in no mad rush.

“It’s not something I’m worried about at the moment. I don’t think ‘Oh, I need to be in the Socceroos’,” he said.

“I just want to play as much as I can and keep getting better. If I’m doing those things then the Socceroos should come in time. For me, it’s about taking baby steps.”

Duncan believes the level in Denmark’s top flight, whilst not able to rival Europe’s super-power leagues, is a significant jump up from the A-League.

“The speed of the game is a lot quicker than Australia and if you take an extra touch you’ll most likely get snapped in half,” he added graphically.

“It’s happened to me a few times and it makes you learn quickly and adapt your game.

“You’re challenging yourself against some top players and that can only benefit you.

“My aim right now is to establish myself as a starting player at a club I see myself being at for a long time to come.”