Socceroos winger Awer Mabil has revealed he advised Nestory Irankunda on the importance of body language and patience, embracing an "older brother" role and reminding the young star of the impact he can make from the bench.
While Irankunda, 20, is undoubtedly one of Australia's most exciting young talents heading to the FIFA World Cup, discipline issues have occasionally overshadowed an encouraging first season with Watford in the Championship. The winger scored four goals and registered four assists but also picked up 12 yellow cards and a red.
Speaking to ESPN, Mabil said he had pulled Irankunda aside during Australia's March camp ahead of friendlies against Cameroon and Curaçao. Irankunda came off the bench in both, scoring a 13-minute brace against Curaçao.
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"He's working very hard to improve the mental side of things," Mabil, who plays for Castellón in LaLiga 2, told ESPN. "The last game where he came on [against Curaçao], we had a talk before the game about body language and the mental side of things.
"I told him: 'When you don't start, it doesn't mean it's bad. It can be beneficial ... when you come on you can utilize your pace. It's important the way you carry yourself whether you're starting or not.' I was impressed with how he responded. He's on the right path."
Mabil, Irankunda and Mohamed Toure -- all members of Australia's 26-man World Cup squad -- grew up in African refugee camps before migrating to Australia, with the trio all beginning their careers at Adelaide United before earning moves to Europe.
Mabil, 30, a Socceroos veteran with 37 caps and 10 goals, said the bond between them ran deep, with the winger acting as a "big brother" to Irankunda and Toure.
"When we're in camp we can't stop being around each other," he said.
"When there's something they want to ask, then we talk football -- but a lot of the time it's just catching up as friends."
Mabil has also played a mentoring role for Toure, 22, whose form for Danish side Randers FC paved the way for a January transfer to Norwich City. The striker proceeded to score nine goals in 11 Championship appearances.
"A couple of years ago, Mo called me before he went to Denmark. He asked me how Denmark was, I said: 'I think it's good for you -- it's a good pathway to go on to bigger things,'" Mabil said. "The ceiling is up to [Irankunda and Toure]. If they want to become the best in the world, they can."
Mabil netted three goals and provided six assists for Castellón this season and believes he is in the form of his career ahead of what will be his second World Cup after featuring at the 2022 tournament.
"I'm at the perfect age now in terms of experience, physicality, and understanding of the game," he said.
However, his inclusion in Australia's squad has left Mabil unavailable to help Castellón chase promotion to LaLiga through the second division playoffs, with semifinal legs scheduled this week.
Should the Spanish side advance, the two-legged final would be played after the World Cup has begun.
"Obviously I had to go," Mabil said. "Everybody wants to go to the World Cup. It's quite easy to decide: if your national team comes calling, you have to go."
