Amini tips Mabil to shine in Denmark

Randers midfielder Mustafa Amini is convinced fellow Australian export Awer Mabil can also deliver in Denmark, as the pair prepare to go head-to-head in Monday's Superliga clash between high-fliers Randers and defending champion FC Midtjylland.

Amini

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The Olyroos teammates will become antagonists, with Amini hoping former Adelaide flyer Mabil – who made his debut off the bench in the 3-0 midweek cup win over second tier Naestved – will feature again for the team which has also reached the group stage of this season's Europa League.

"It would be good to play against another Aussie," said Amini, who has become a mainstay for Randers and is already into double figures for 90-minute appearances after signing from Borussia Dortmund in June.

"I not sure if he will be in the starting team because he's at a young age and is just beginning his European adventure, and that's never easy.

"But he's doing well so far. He got half an hour the other night and is at one of the best clubs in Denmark and I am sure he will develop and get game time this year. It's a fantastic opportunity for him."

Playing on the right side of midfield, Amini, has become a key man for coach Colin Todd with his creativity and durability setting him apart this season.

His contribution to Randers' cause has not gone unnoticed by Mabil either.

"Musti is a top player ... he showed that at a young age in Australia and before going to Germany he was the next big thing in Australia," Mabil said.

"For me, he's our best No.10 in Australia, coming up. I am not just saying that, I know Musti as a player, he learned a lot from being at Dortmund.

"Training every day with those big players is something money can't buy, so he has that experience in him."

Mabil is only on the first rung of the ladder in his new home and knows he has many steps to climb.

"My debut has been a long time coming after being here for almost two months now," he said.

"I am slowly finding my feet and it was good to get that opportunity to play the other night. I am at a big club who have shown a lot of faith in me (in the form of a five year deal).

"They believe in me and are working on me to try and push for a spot, hopefully sooner rather than later.

"A lot of people don't realise how good the standard is here ... for a young player it's one of the best competitions for you to develop in."

Amini, who is inching ever closer towards a Socceroos call up, admits his move from Germany has so far exceeded even his own expectations.

"To be honest, it's gone even better than I imagined so far," he said. "I am playing regularly and making an impression and have been getting noticed here, which is great.

"It's very tough physically here, but I have adapted and have never felt fitter than I am now."

The 22 year-old knows that a Socceroos call will surely come soon if he continues on his upward arc.

"Aurelio Vidmar (both Olyroos coach and assistant to Ange Postecoglou with the senior team) told me I am close and I will just keep doing my best to get noticed because it's a dream to play for Socceroos," he said.

"I know if I keep doing well the call will come, and right now I think they want me to focus on the Olyroos and I'm giving that my all."


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4 min read
Published 26 September 2015 7:23pm
Updated 26 September 2015 8:02pm
By David Lewis


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