Paul Okon-Engstler Explained

Paul Okon-Engstler
Fullname:Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler
Birth Date:24 January 2005
Birth Place:Ostend, Belgium
Height:1.86m
Position:Defensive midfielder
Currentclub:Benfica B
Youthclubs1:Marconi Stallions
Youthyears2:2018
Youthclubs2:Western Sydney Wanderers
Youthyears3:2019–2022
Youthclubs3:Club Brugge
Youthyears4:2022–
Youthclubs4:Benfica
Years1:2024–
Caps1:1
Goals1:0
Nationalyears1:2023–
Nationalteam1:Australia U20
Nationalcaps1:7
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2024–
Nationalteam2:Australia U23
Nationalcaps2:2
Nationalgoals2:0
Club-Update:10 August 2024
Nationalteam-Update:17 November 2024

Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler (born 24 January 2005) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Benfica B in Liga Portugal 2. Born in Belgium, he has represented Australia at youth international level.

Club career

Born in Belgium to former Australian international soccer player Paul Okon, who was playing for K.V. Oostende at the time, Okon-Engstler moved to Australia as a child, as his father had been signed by the Newcastle Jets.[1] He started his career, as his father had, with Marconi Stallions, before moving to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers.[1] In 2019, he moved back to Belgium, signing with Club Brugge.[1]

While representing Club Brugge at a youth tournament in Portugal, he was spotted by scouts from Benfica, despite Club Brugge's poor performances at the tournament.[2] He joined the Portuguese club in July 2022, signing a three-year deal.[2] [3] [4]

International career

Okon-Engstler is eligible to represent Belgium through birth, Australia through his father, and Italy through his mother.[1] He holds Italian citizenship.[5]

In September 2022, he was called up to the Australia under-20 team, but did not feature.[6]

He made his debut for the Australia under-23 team during the 2023 Maurice Revello Tournament.[7]

Style of play

A composed, left-footed defensive midfielder, Okon-Engstler is known for his range of long passes, and is capable of starting attacks from deep.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Paul Okon-Engstler: el talento australiano del Benfica lleva una vida loca como un padre. Paul Okon-Engstler: Benfica's Australian talent leads a crazy life like a father. 20 December 2022. 6 March 2023. teknomers.com. Spanish.
  2. Web site: Paul Okon Junior joins Portuguese giants Benfica. Jake. Rosengarten. 20 July 2022. 6 March 2023. sport.optus.com.au.
  3. Web site: Paul Okon contratado. Paul Okon hired. 19 July 2022. 6 March 2023. slbenfica.pt. Portuguese.
  4. Web site: Zoon van assistent Paul Okon verlaat Club Brugge voor Benfica. Son of assistant Paul Okon leaves Club Brugge for Benfica. Martin. Delvaux. 20 July 2022. 6 March 2023. nieuwsblad.be. Dutch.
  5. Web site: Italiano Okon-Engstler reforça equipa sub-19 do Benfica: "Clube lindo e histórico". Italian Okon-Engstler reinforces Benfica's under-19 team: «Beautiful and historic club». 19 July 2022. 6 March 2023. record.pt. Portuguese.
  6. Web site: Young Socceroos Squad Named for Four Continents Tournament in Spain. 13 September 2022. 6 March 2023. socceroos.com.au.
  7. Web site: Olyroos squad named for Maurice Revello Tournament. Socceroos. Football Australia. 15 May 2023.
  8. Web site: Paul Okon Jr following in famous father's footsteps. 9 August 2022. 6 March 2023. theroar.com.au.

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