Bayern Munich-bound Nestory Irankunda has added more highlights to his ever-growing reel with an impressive performance in Adelaide United’s thrilling 2-2 A-League Men draw with Wellington Phoenix.
Coach Carl Veart returned Irankunda to the Reds’ starting line-up following appearances off the bench in United’s last three matches - and the move paid off handsomely on Thursday.
Veart acknowledged the 17-year-old had struggled for consistency on the pitch in recent weeks, as well as suggesting there was room for improvement away from it.
“As I said from the beginning, with all our young players, it’s about developing them, about getting them to understand what it requires to play at the highest level,” Veart said.
“We weren’t happy with some of the things he was doing, so he had a little bit of a spell and I thought his response was outstanding.
“He was the most dangerous player on the pitch by a long way so I’m very happy for him tonight."
Irankunda was instrumental in setting up United’s second equaliser on 55 minutes after Kosta Barbarouses had twice given the visitors the lead.
The speedster collected the ball just forward of the halfway line and tore down the right wing, bursting past two defenders with his blistering pace before supplying the perfect cutback for Hiroshi Ibusuki to tuck home his second goal and make it 2-2.
Veart reiterated there was still much more development for Irankunda ahead of his move to the Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, but is delighted the talented youngster will see out the season with the Reds at Coopers Stadium.
“Nestor is still learning. We've still got to remember his age and he’s still learning what works for him both on and off the pitch,” he said.
“To be a professional elite footballer, a lot has to do with what you do away from training and away from games, the way you prepare yourself, the way that you sleep, the way that you eat; that all comes into a lot of focus.
“We’ll keep working with him. We’re very fortunate we’ve still got him for the rest of the season and he’s exciting; he makes everyone smile, doesn’t he?”
At the other end of the age spectrum, 36-year-old club legend Isaias produced a vintage performance in midfield, while 32-year-old Ibusuki starred with a brace and plenty of silky touches and link-up play.
Ben Halloran, 31, was introduced at halftime and was lively for Adelaide, rattling the crossbar around the hour mark, while English midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe (31) was solid in the centre of the park.
“Hiroshi was outstanding tonight,” Veart said.
“Isa and Tunners in the middle were very good, Popa (Alexsandar Popovic) at the back, was strong as well and Ben Halloran when he came on provided a great spark for us.
“That’s what we expect from our senior players and it’s important they maintain that standard and drive the standard of the younger players to be higher as well.”
