Iaruel was named skipper of the side prior to arrival in Pago Pago and he is humbled the honour fell on his young shoulders – but he insists his team’s qualities as a collective are the key ingredient for success.
‘’It is a real privilege for me to captain Vanuatu for the first time in my career and I am very proud.
“But I think our major strength as a team is our speed. We like to move the ball fast, to play with one touch.
‘’We pray together every day and I hope that will help us go through to the later stages of the tournament,’’ he says, “Our team is in good spirits.”
Iaruel enjoys his position at the heart of the Vanuatu defence just like his hero Thiago Silva who plays for Paris Saint Germain and Brazil.
‘’Thiago Silva is one of the best defenders in the world. I like the way he moves on the field, his positioning. He is also a very good leader.
‘’I think I have a good positioning to cover the back like him and I like playing as a central defender because I like to control what happens on the field and this position allows me to do that, “he says.
The OFC U-17 Championship has been a success for Vanuatu so far after their dismantling of co-hosts American Samoa 13-0 in their first match.
And Iaruel believes Vanuatu have what it takes to become Oceania champions for the first time.
‘’I believe Vanuatu can win the title. I think we have a good enough team to go a long way,’’ Iaruel says.
Vanuatu take on Tonga today at 1pm while American Samoa play Tahiti at 3.30pm at Pago Park Soccer Stadium.