Maturing Mabil has Socceroos in his sights

In-form Australian export Awer Mabil knows his name probably won't figure when Ange Postecoglou names his next Australia squad - but he's aiming to make sure it does soon.

Awer Mabil

Awer Mabil has been in great form recently for Esbjerg. Source: Getty Images

After a frustrating debut season with Danish Superliga Midtjylland, the 20-year-old former Adelaide United flier is flourishing on a season-long loan at lowly Esbjerg.

Playing out wide or as a number ten, he's scored twice in his last three games - and has four assists from his last six - as he steps it up to help his side avoid a relegation play-off with three regular season rounds remaining.

While Mabil may not be in Postecoglou's immediate plans ahead of the imminent unveiling of the FIFA World Cup qualifying squad to face Iraq and UAE this month, the Kenyan-born refugee is daring to dream that a call may come if he continues to excel.
Asked if he might now be getting noticed, the Olyroo replied: "I hope so ... it's every player's dream to play for their country and Australia is my country.

"It's done so much for me and I hope that one day I can replay them by pulling on a Socceroos shirt.

"It happens it will happen ... God will take care of everything.

"I just have to make sure I play well for my club, and I hope the rest will take care of itself.

"Obviously the Socceroos have an amazing set up and amazing players doing well for their clubs.

"But hopefully I will be recognised if I can also play well here in Denmark."

Mabil says he's playing with a smile on his face, despite his club's perilous position, after being liberated from the shadows at Midtjylland.

"I am enjoying my football now and just working hard for the team," added ahead of Saturday's (AEDT) must-win clash against rock-bottom Viborg.

"I think I am maturing as a player and a person ... before I was playing for myself maybe.

"But now all that matters is the team, and winning matches.
"If I assist, or I score, it's just about being effective for the team."

While his confidence took at when he rarely got a look in at Midtjylland, it's flowing now.

"I really didn't get an opportunity at Midjylland to play much and settle myself and Esbjerg have helped me do that.

"They have believed in me and I hope I can repay them by helping them stay up."


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3 min read
Published 3 March 2017 1:29pm
Updated 3 March 2017 5:16pm
By Dave Lewis


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