Life in England couldn’t have started much better for fast-rising Australian Lucas Herrington, who made his Premier League debut — and was part of a huge 2-0 upset win over Manchester United — with Hull City last weekend, then started in the EFL Cup days later.
The 18-year-old is already getting rave reviews, first for how he acquitted himself after coming on as a 64th-minute replacement against United. He swapped with another fresh face, Nobel Mendy, and kept calm while marking superstar Marcus Rashford through the last 30 minutes of the game.
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The Tigers kept a clean sheet in the 2–0 victory, with Herrington making nine touches, winning all three of his aerial duels, and recording four clearances as they guarded the lead.
“It was such a privilege to be out there, especially in front of my mum and agent. Such a special moment for me,” he told Stan Sport this week. “I was so happy to be given the trust by the coaching staff to go out there.”
Then, days later, Herrington was rewarded with a place on the pitch from the opening whistle, stepping up as right-sided centre back in a four-at-the-back formation rolled out by Hull helmsman Sergej Jakirovic. He was crowned player of the match by the BBC for his immense efforts over the 90 minutes.
Through the battle, which was eventually decided on penalties (Herrington didn’t take one), he recorded a match-high nine defensive contributions and had the most touches on the pitch, 108. His cutting passes — shot at 90% accuracy — continually set up Hull chances, and he made seven recoveries.
The only goal that Stoke City scored wasn’t Herrington’s fault either: Robert Bozenik outjumped his centre-back ally, Paddy McNair, to take the lead.
“Hard to believe he’s still only 18… composure on the ball beyond his years,” match caller Gary Taphouse said, before later praising his “maturity beyond his years.” Hull equalised in the 45th minute, and that stalemate lasted the game.
Whether Herrington gets the start this weekend when Hull play fellow promoted side Coventry at midnight on Sunday, August 30 (AEST) remains to be seen, but he’s certainly done enough to be in Jakirovic’s plans.
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Considering he was bought for a club-record A$33 million, too, there’s every chance that the Tigers head coach calls on him immediately in a back five.
Herrington is currently the only Australian in the Premier League this season.
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