Shepparton’s Alou Kuol now has his chance to weigh in on his own debate.
The 19-year-old has shot to stardom at Central Coast Mariners this season, the side now securing a elimination finals berth against Macarthur FC inbound for Saturday.
It’s third versus sixth, and if the Mariners are to advance, Kuol is likely to have a say.
At one point during the season, Shepparton’s latest — and hottest — prospect led the A-League’s goal-scoring charts.
He’s since finished the home and away campaign with seven goals and two assists from 25 appearances, proving to be one tearaway striker Australia cannot seem to get enough of.
Saturday could well be his last game for Central Coast should it fall to the Bulls, with Kuol set to join German giant Stuttgart at the end of the season.
But if last games are anything to go by, Mariners fans are in for a treat.
Less than two years ago, Kuol smashed home a hat-trick during his Goulburn Valley Suns swansong to win the National Premier League Two golden boot in breath-taking fashion.
However, Saturday's impending result aside the past six months have defined Kuol.
Becoming the A-League's maker of fanfare, earning a Young Player of the Year nomination and a transfer to one of Europe's finest footballing aristocracies sums it up perfectly.
2021 has been Alou Kuol's year — and it's not finished yet.
● Kick off for Central Coast Mariners v Macarthur FC is at 7.05pm on Saturday.