Kylian Mbappe’s five-word message to Newcastle United sensation brings one-word response

Soon-to-be Newcastle United youngster Garang Kuol is eyeing a place in the last 16 of the World Cup later this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Kuol’s Australia face Denmark in their Group D decider, where a draw will be enough to guarantee their progression into the knockout stages.

The 18-year-old became the ninth youngest player in World Cup history when he came on as a substitute in last Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat to holders France.

Kuol did not make it off the bench when the Socceroos beat Tunisia last time out but boss Graham Arnold won’t hesitate to use the forward as an impact sub.

Indeed, in the closing stages, the teenager was introduced against Les Bleus and it was then he enjoyed a brief interaction with world superstar Kylian Mbappe.

“He said ‘what’s up bro, you good?’ Kuol revealed before he replied “yep”. The pair then high-fived and played out the remaining 15 minutes.

It was ‘pinch me’ moment for Kuol, who, despite being in the early stages of his career, has been compared to the Paris Saint-Germain star by former youth coach Craig Carley.

“Someone like Mbappe, it’s a big call but that’s how high I believe he can go,” Carley told the Toon Under Podcast. ”I believe he can be one of the best players in the world.

“He’s just so direct and loves to beat a man, drive into the box, score and create goals.

“It’s scintillating to see, he’s going to be a star. I really do believe he will go on to be one of the best players in the world.”

It is his exciting potential that saw Newcastle agree to sign Kuol in September, where he will officially join at the beginning of January.

And the deeper Kuol goes in the World Cup, the more it strengthens his chances of landing a UK work permit sooner rather than later.

Kuol, at present, does not automatically qualify for a UK work permit and is likely to be loaned out to a European club in order to gain the required experience.

“It’s unreal,” He said. “As a young boy in Australia, the Premier League is the main thing that everyone watches but nobody actually thinks they’ll reach those heights. To be one of those people, to be in the position I am, it’s amazing.