Garang Kuol: Newcastle's new Australian wonderkid tipped to become one of the world's best

Australian football is lacking a superstar.

The days of Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Tim Cahill being leading lights and global ambassadors for the country's national team are now long gone, and as they prepare for their fifth successive appearance at the World Cup finals, the Socceroos are crying out for a new hero.

And while it would be unfair to expect a teenager who is yet to start a professional match to step up to the mark, Garang Kuol is being touted as Australia's next big thing.

The 18-year-old thrust himself into the limelight with his performances in the A-League for Central Coast Mariners last season, and could now be set for a place on the plane to Qatar 2022 after earning his first international call-up in September.

He managed to back that up by agreeing a move to the Premier League just a couple of weeks later, and there is real excitement that Australia have found themselves a generational talent.

But who is Garang Kuol, and what makes him so special? Let NXGN explain...