"Incredible": The unflappable teenager shining in Socceroos debut

Australia’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay was an insight into the future, fielding their youngest ever player as a part of their youngest side in the tournament so far.

With Patrick Beach in net (22 years of age), Alessandro Circati (22), Jordan Bos (23) and Nestory Irankunda (20) all starting once more, the Socceroos also introduced Cristian Volpato (22) into the starting lineup, with Lucas Herrington (18) becoming the nation’s youngest ever to start in a World Cup.

And didn’t Herrington perform!

On the biggest stage, the 18-year-old was as calm as ever, completing 62 of 69 passes, with two tackles, seven clearances, five recoveries and an interception helping the Socceroos to a second clean sheet this tournament.

The former Brisbane Roar talent and Colorado Rapid has earned interest on an international stage, with Barcelona keeping a close eye on the emerging star.

Andy Harper believes a performance like todays is telling of a composed star in the making.

“Lucas Herrington, 18 years of age – he has got to be the coolest athlete since Bjorn Borg,” Harper told SEN’s live call of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

“He is just unflappable! There’s a long time for him to fall off the mountain, but at this stage… that was remarkable!

“(During the first half) he had Julio Enciso nipping at his heels and he was a millimetre away from losing that duel on the edge of our box and Enciso’s in on goal.

“Somehow, he reached in and took the ball, and under pressure, three or four Paraguay players trying to close him down, picked out two short passes to take away the pressure completely.

“Very impressive. As a qualifier, I hope he wins as many football trophies as Bjorn Borg won tennis titles, but on the coolest register… just incredible for an 18-year-old in this theatre.”