Garang Kuol is 18 and seemingly already has the football world at his feet, but teammate Jason Cummings doesn't expect the hype to get the better of the teen sensation.
Central Coast's Kuol is yet to start an A-League Men's match but has already earned a Socceroos cap, shapes as a World Cup bolter and will move to Premier League club Newcastle United in January.
"He's getting hyped up everywhere," Cummings told AAP at the A-Leagues' season launch, before Kuol's move was confirmed.
"He's a good lad. Away from football as well, he's just a normal kid. He's a good lad and he's humble.
"With all this hype and with all the talk about him going to the Premier League, he keeps his feet on the ground. He doesn't let it get to him, he's taking everything in his stride.
"Everyone can see how good a player he is, even when he comes on for like 20 minutes, you can see glimpses and he's a world class player. He's only 18 so he's got a bright future."
Cummings, who made his Socceroos debut in the same game as Kuol, has experienced the highs and lows of football.
He made his international debut for Scotland in 2017 but fell off the radar, only earning two total caps as his club football went sour.
The 27-year-old planned to keep advice for his younger teammate simple.
"It used to be me. So I'll maybe tell him that - say it doesn't last forever son, so enjoy it while it lasts," he said.
"But I feel like advice to Garang, it wouldn't be worth it. He's the type of guy and he's the type of player where if you try to teach him too much or tell him what to do, it's just going to hinder him.
"You need to just let him be free, let him enjoy himself, let him enjoy his football and (say) 'just do what you want, man. Go on the pitch and just do what you normally do.'
"But he's taking everything in his stride, he's not letting it affect him. So he's pretty golden."
The Mariners start their season with a derby against Newcastle in Gosford on Saturday.
Kuol, who scored four goals in nine appearances off the bench last season, looks poised to finally get that start.
"Hopefully we can see him start a few games, get him on there from the start," Cummings said.
"He'll be a big player for us."
