A-League star Daniel Arzani: How Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke is turning my game around

He was once touted as the next superstar of Australian football only for injuries to wreak havoc with his career – but now a fit and firing Daniel Arzani is determined to realise his enormous potential under Premier League legend Dwight York.

The 23-year-old is full of praise for the legendary mentor who’s working wonders behind the scenes in the form of Yorke, the new coach of Macarthur FC.

Speaking at the official launch of the A-League season in Melbourne, Arzani declared he is ready to light up the competition, which kicks off on October 7.

‘I can’t speak highly enough of the gaffer [Yorke], he is a legend,’ the attacking midfielder told Daily Mail Australia.

‘He gives us freedom on the ball, he is always attack minded.

‘The boys have responded well to his coaching methods, he gets the best out of us.’

Daniel Arzani was touted as the next superstar of Australian football – only for injuries to wreak havoc with his career (pictured, at the 2018 World Cup in Russia with the Socceroos)

Working with Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke at Macarthur has given Arzani a new lease on life 

In 2018, Arzani was the name on many people’s lips ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

Used an an impact player by then Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk, he dazzled as a raw teenager.

He was loaned to Scottish giants Celtic, and it appeared he was ready to become a global star for the Hoops.  

Sadly, his body then began failing him.

Arzani next bounced between Holland, Denmark and Belgium on loan deals with the likes of Utrecht and Aarhus – before deciding it was time to come home.

Macarthur secured his coveted signature ahead of the 2022/23 A-League season, and if his blistering pre-season form in the Australia Cup is any guide, it could prove priceless.

On October 1 they take on NSW state league squad Sydney United in a David versus Goliath Cup final at Parramatta’s Commbank Stadium – and Arzani knows important people in football circles will be watching him closely.

Arzani has been a standout for Macarthur in pre-season, impressing in the Australia Cup

‘It has been an incredible run to the final, they [Sydney United] have made headlines around the world,’ he said.

‘The Croatian community have really got behind them, and I am sure they will be out in force this weekend.

‘But we want to make our own club history, we will be ready to go.’

Arzani knows he is an outside chance to be named in Graham Arnold’s squad ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this November – but isn’t getting ahead of himself.

‘My body is holding up well, nothing is holding me back, which is great,’ he said.

‘If I play well for Macarthur, who knows what will happen.

‘I am just keen to get started.’