Jackson Irvine, a Socceroos player, is a huge fan of his teammate Nestory Irankunda, but he can't quite get on board with Irankunda's obsession with Michael Jackson. Irvine finds it amusing that Irankunda, a 20-year-old attacking player, celebrates his goals with Michael Jackson's dance moves, which he finds a bit outdated. However, he admires Irankunda's talent and pace, which he believes are obscene. The question arises as to whether Irankunda is ready to start at the World Cup, and whether that would be the best thing for the Socceroos. Irvine and the coaching staff have their doubts, as Irankunda's decision to kick the ball into Granit Xhaka's private parts earned him a yellow card and sparked a scuffle. While Irankunda is improving and his defensive workrate was a standout aspect of his performance against the Swiss, there are other players who are better options for specific situations. Irvine believes that Irankunda needs to improve his defensive skills and fitness to play for 90 minutes. The Socceroos' game plan is to keep it tight at the back and strike in the second half, and Irankunda's introduction in those circumstances has psychological benefits. However, every minute Irankunda is not on the pitch feels like a minute wasted for the Socceroos. Irankunda has a singular ability to produce a moment of brilliance from nowhere, and his presence gives Australia a chance. The question remains as to whether Irankunda should be an automatic starter, and whether his talent and pace are enough to justify his place in the starting lineup. The coaching staff must consider the team's overall strategy and the best way to win the game.
