While Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato may generate excitement for the Socceroos, one standout player has captured the spotlight during this World Cup: Lucas Herrington. At just 18 years old, he has made history as the youngest Australian to start a World Cup match, playing against Paraguay, and his rising profile has already drawn interest from Barcelona. Expectations are that his next transfer could exceed the Australian record of £15 million, set by Harry Souttar when he moved to Leicester in 2023.
Souttar’s comparison of Herrington to a prestigious automotive brand following the Paraguay match underscores the young player’s potential. “You wouldn’t think that’s his first World Cup game. The guy was absolutely composed, calm,” Souttar remarked. “You can see the guy’s like a Rolls-Royce.”
Herrington’s A-League team, Brisbane Roar, included a 20% sell-on clause when they transferred him to Colorado last year. However, before the World Cup, the club’s management opted to cash in for around A$500,000, a decision that is likely to result in significant financial loss for the club. Connor Metcalfe succinctly stated, “They’ll probably be kicking themselves.”
Despite the swirling rumors regarding transfers and potential moves to Barcelona, Herrington approaches this scrutiny with the same calmness he demonstrates on the field. He acknowledges the speculation surrounding his career but emphasizes his focus on the tournament. “I’m just trying to stay present and really enjoy this moment. It’s my first one, hopefully first of many, but it doesn’t come around very often,” he explained. “I’m really just trying to put my best forward and work hard, and we’ll see what comes after it.”
Herrington has been an invaluable player on the World Cup squad, with his performance in the 0-0 draw against Paraguay being crucial for Australia’s advancement to the knockout stage. Unbeknownst to the players at the time, a 1-0 loss could have meant elimination, allowing Iran to qualify instead.
His composed ball distribution and aerial prowess, even when under pressure from Paraguay’s attackers, greatly contributed to Australia’s success. This performance further solidifies his reputation after a meteoric rise from the A-League to competing against global stars like Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller, culminating in his position in the national team’s starting lineup.
Metcalfe remarked on Herrington’s impressive composure at such a young age, stating, “Nothing really fazes him, he never looks nervous, I’m not nervous when he has the ball,” He noted that often younger players can make rash decisions, but Herrington maintains a calm demeanor when in possession.
When reflecting on his tranquil presence on the pitch, Herrington admits, “Sometimes if a young player is playing, a lot of the other boys can be nervous they’re going to make a rash decision, but he is calm on the ball.”
His debut against Paraguay came later than anticipated. Herrington started both warm-up matches for the Socceroos, yet the more seasoned Cam Burgess was selected for the initial games against Turkey and the USA. The decision to substitute Jason Geria for Burgess instead of Herrington raised some eyebrows.
However, just days before the match against Paraguay, head coach Tony Popovic informed Herrington that he would be starting. “I try to stay calm, I mean it’s not something that I work on. I think it might just come naturally, but I just believe in my abilities, believe in the team’s abilities and just play what’s in front of me.” he said.
“I was ready for all three games and I just wanted to be involved, so when I got the nod for the Paraguay game I was over the moon,”
The narrative surrounding Herrington became even more remarkable last week when a video surfaced of the Brisbane fan zone during the 2022 World Cup. The footage featured a 14-year-old Herrington, his lanky frame and curly hair unmistakable, fervently supporting the Socceroos alongside friends.
“I let my parents know. Mum was a bit nervous but she was more excited than anything and I just wanted to really remember it as the proudest moment of my life and just really enjoy it.” Herrington shared. “I’ve been supporting the Socceroos at the World Cup for as long as I can remember, so to be here is special and my mates back home are also supportive,”
Expressing gratitude for Souttar’s compliments during his press conference on Sunday, Herrington was also given the option of being associated with another automotive brand. “It’s another one of those moments that I pinch myself, and just try and make everyone from where I’m back from just proud and give them someone to look at, [and show] that they can do it as well.” he replied. “No, I’m happy with Rolls-Royce,”
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