The reunion that could prove pivotal for the Socceroos at the Asian Cup

Fast maturing Mustafa Amini’s reunion with Australia coach Graham Arnold could be a match made in heaven for the midfielder, as he aims high at the AFC Asian Cup.

Source: AAP

The man who gave Amini his chance as a raw teenager with Central Coast Mariners has re-affirmed his belief in the fluffy-haired talent by naming him in his 23-man squad for next month’s defense of the trophy Australia won in 2015.

And with the injured Aaron Mooy unlikely to feature, despite being selected, and erstwhile skipper Mile Jedinak departing the scene, Amini, 25, is in the frame not just for game time but a major breakthrough in the UAE, as he looks to add to his four caps.

He started and played 75 minutes, showcasing his assurance and composure in a No.6 in last month’s 3-0 victory over Lebanon in Sydney.

And he believes Arnold will bring out the best in him, and Australia, when they jet to Dubai on Christmas Day to begin preparations for their tournament opener against Jordan.

“Arnie gave me a go at the Mariners and I learned a lot from him before going on to join Borussia Dortmund,” he recalled.

“It’s a bit of a reunion now and I believe I’ve come a long way as a player since those days, and just want to repay his faith in me.

“He’s brought a lot of energy with him since taking over. But he’s also very smart tactically and knows how to motivate and get his message across to the players. His positivity rubs off on everyone and I think he’s the right leader for us at the right time.

“He wants to attack teams and give them lots to think about, which is what I think you’ll see us do come January.

“I think I can do a job as a No.6 by being that link between defense and attack, and it’s a role I’ve become comfortable playing during my time in Europe.”

Amini already has 17 league games under his belt at his Danish club AGF, where he is a linchpin performer. And believes the best is yet to come, for both club and country.

“It’s not been easy carving out a career in Europe. It’s cut-throat and if you’re not consistent, working extra hard and always looking to improve, then you can’t succeed,” he added.

“The Danish league, where I’ve been for four years now, probably doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

“But it’s a very good level and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far but I also believe there’s a lot more to come from me.”

Amini is sanguine over Australia’s prospects of back-to-back crowns, adding: “it’s going to be very tough. Asia is leaping ahead in quality across the board and then you have class acts like Japan and South Korea. The Koreans beating Germany at the World Cup tells you all you need to know about how good they are.

“But we are Australians and we go there to win the tournament.”