Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has likened young winger Nestory Irankunda to Crystal Palace legend Wilfried Zaha, as the 19-year-old prepares for a move from Bayern Munich to Championship club Watford. Irankunda, who has yet to make his Bundesliga debut, is seen as a potential key player for Australia's 2026 World Cup squad.

Irankunda's Journey

Irankunda, born to Burundian parents in a Tanzanian refugee camp, has faced challenges in his career, including a hamstring injury that sidelined him from the Australia Under 20s in June. Despite these setbacks, Popovic remains optimistic about his future. "He got to Bayern Munich because he has talent. It's undeniable, but what I believe [is] he's learning," Popovic said.

Popovic's Insight

Popovic, who has an unbeaten record as Socceroos boss, shared a lesson from his time at Crystal Palace, where he worked with a young Wilfried Zaha. "We had [then] 17-year-old Wilfried Zaha who was the most ill-disciplined, never came on time, wanted to walk out 10 minutes before training, didn't want to do the pre-activation," Popovic recalled. "As soon as Dougie made me go to his apartment and see how the boy was living, it totally changed me."

Future Prospects

Irankunda's move to Watford is seen as a step forward in his development. "Hopefully this next move can develop him further, and whether that's an immediate impact with us or not, it gives him a better chance of course," Popovic added. The Socceroos are set to play the United States on October 14, with Irankunda potentially in the squad.

Conclusion

Popovic's comparison to Zaha highlights the potential he sees in Irankunda. With the right guidance and opportunities, the young winger could become a key player for both Watford and the Socceroos in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.