Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
After scoring on his Socceroos debut, Tete Yengi is adamant there is more to come as he works to keep close friend and starting striker Mohamed Toure on his toes.
Yengi, 25, started against Switzerland and scored on debut to deliver Australia’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw on Saturday (Sunday AEST) in San Diego.
“You work hard for moments like this,” Yengi said.
“Everything I’ve done in my career leads to this, I guess, and more.
“But I’m enjoying my time here so far and I’m ready for whenever the boss (coach Tony Popovic) needs me.
“I know I’m here for a reason, so I’ve just got to go out there and show it.”
Machida Zelvia striker Yengi has relished working with the likes of former Socceroos captain and current assistant coach Mile Jedinak as he continues to round out his game.
“They know my qualities. They just want me to play without fear, to play with confidence and to just show what I am,” Yengi said.
“They saw how I play and that’s why they brought me in, so they haven’t tried to change too much. Or just give me extra-level advice, maybe tactically.
“But yeah, personally, I think it’s been good advice. These are some top guys in the staff, Mile (Jedinak) especially, played at a very high level, so you can only learn a lot from them.”
Norwich City sensation Toure, still just 22, looms as the starting striker at the World Cup, starting with Saturday’s Group D opener against Turkey in Vancouver.
“He’s like my brother. So we’re very close,” Yengi said.
“He’s come up a long way. And he’s done so well from back in the days when we were younger – physically and technically as well.
“So I’m very impressed by what he’s doing now and I know he’s killing it.
“So, I’m so happy for him and hopefully we can go on this journey together.”
Yengi also just experienced a front row seat to the Nestory Irankunda show – and he liked what he saw.
The Socceroos dynamo was among Australia’s best against Switzerland with a dynamic, hard-working performance across 70 minutes.
“He’s had to evolve his game a lot,” Yengi said.
“And the boss helps him a lot with that. He demands every day from us, from him.
“We know the potential that he has and what he can do, so he’s a great player to have on our team.
“When he’s on fire, he’s almost unstoppable.”
