At just 19 years of age, Yarraville Glory striker Darcey den Ouden is already one of the biggest drawcards in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 2 north-west competition.
The teen is a product of the belief shown in him from a young age by coach Charlie Egan, a former Socceroo, who follows the mantra if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
Egan gave den Ouden his first senior berth at the age of 15 while he was still a junior at City.
Den Ouden has been a permanent fixture in top sides at two different clubs, firstly at City and now at Yarraville Glory.
The striker can seriously play, as evidenced by his impressive goal-a-game average from 11 matches this season.
His skills on the ball allow him to turn defenders inside out and his breakneck speed off the ball makes him one of Egan’s lethal weapons.
Den Ouden sits alone at the top of the league’s goal-scoring charts with three more than any other player in the competition. Any team would love him on the front line.
But he also understands the luxury of playing Egan’s system alongside players who serve him up the ball on a platter.
“I love playing under Charlie, especially as an attacking player – he says once you’re in your own attacking half, he doesn’t care if you lose the ball, he encourages you to play one-on-one and that’s the style I like,” den Ouden told Star Weekly.
“I like to play with a bit of freedom and try to take on players and score goals. Under a lot of other coaches, you wouldn’t get that opportunity.”
Den Ouden has profited from his interaction with captain and midfielder Keith Dunne. Dunne has a knack of producing nicely weighted through balls for den Ouden so he can use his pace and finishing skills to good effect.
“He’s usually the one playing me through,” den Ouden said.
Den Ouden shows maturity beyond his years with his ability to adapt to different situations.
This season is a prime example with Egan bringing in a new strike partner, Goran Jozeljic, mid-season.
Once an NPL standard player, Jozeljic has stolen a bit of the spotlight, with five goals in four games, but den Ouden is thrilled to play alongside him and the pair instantly clicked.
“It’s real good to have his experience, he’s a class player,” den Ouden said.
“We’ve been working well together since he’s come down; he’ll be the target man and I’ll just run off him.
“It feels like we’ve been playing together for more than just five weeks.”
Den Ouden had the opportunity to play at a higher level this season but was drawn back to the Glory because of the club environment and a small case of unfinished business.
“The culture at Yarraville is so unique,” he said. “It’s always positive, there’s always laughter going on and there’s no negativity.”
Den Ouden is eager to climb the football ranks but wants to do it with the Glory first and foremost. He would not, however, rule out a move to an NPL club next season if Yarraville is unsuccessful in its bid for promotion.
“If we don’t [get promotion] I’d have to look at other opportunities while I’m still young,” he said. The Glory is second on the ladder with 10 rounds to go.
