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“Most exciting since Kewell”: Speed's high praise for newest Socceroo
Jaiden Sciberras • June 22nd, 2026 5:32 pm
He might have only managed a total of 78 minutes in his entire career as a Socceroo, but Cristian Volpato has already been awarded the highest of praise.
Coming off the bench for Australia against the USA at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Volpato changed the outlook of the Socceroos’ attack, posing a threat that the nation hasn’t seen for a number of years.
A natural ball carrier, Volpato completed the most dribbles of any player on the pitch with five in just 29 minutes, creating one great chance and missing another in a game-altering cameo deep in the second half.
Despite the Socceroos’ inability to breach the co-host’s defence, Volpato – alongside fellow substitutes Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe – was crucial to Australia’s lack of spark going forward.
With that cameo in mind, football expert Brenton Speed believes the newest Socceroo carries the likeness of one of the nation’s greatest ever players.
“He is the most exciting player – skillset wise – I’ve seen for Australia since Harry Kewell,” Speed told SEN's Kick Off.
“Maybe a Tom Rogic along the journey (as well.)
“He had more successful dribbles than anyone we’ve seen in an Australian shirt at a World Cup!
“Volpato would be quicker than Rogic, and he is so skilful. Left footer… he is going to play a lot more for the Socceroos.
“They did well to get him.”
Despite his excellent cameo against the USA, Speed still believes Volpato should start on the bench in Australia’s final group stage match against Paraguay.
“(Tony Popovic) had most of the players for two months, or six weeks in the buildup. He had them at the US base.” he said.
“Volpato committed to Australia late, had to come via Australia to get to the United States to be a part of that squad at very late notice.
“He hasn’t done the Popovic minutes on the training pitch to be ready for 90 minutes.
“But he is ready for 30-minute cameos and what have you.”
Australia’s final group stage match commences this Friday at 12pm, with a result against Paraguay guaranteeing progression to the Round of 32.
You can listen to Simon Hill and Andy Harper call Australia v Paraguay live from Santa Clara, California, from Friday at 10am AEST on SEN, the official radio broadcaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
