Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler(born 24 January 2005) is a professionalfootballerwho plays as adefensive midfielderforBenfica Bin Liga Portugal 2.Born in Belgium, he has represented Australia at youth international level.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 24 January 2005 | ||
| Place of birth | Ostend,Belgium | ||
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defensive midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Benfica B | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Marconi Stallions | |||
| 2018 | Western Sydney Wanderers | ||
| 2019–2022 | Club Brugge | ||
| 2022– | Benfica | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2024– | Benfica B | 1 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2023– | Australia U20 | 7 | (0) |
| 2024– | Australia U23 | 2 | (0) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10 August 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17 November 2024 | |||
Club career
editBorn in Belgium to former Australian international soccer playerPaul Okon,who was playing forK.V. Oostendeat the time, Okon-Engstler moved to Australia as a child, as his father had been signed by theNewcastle Jets.[2]He started his career, as his father had, withMarconi Stallions,before moving toA-LeaguesideWestern Sydney Wanderers.[2]In 2019, he moved back to Belgium, signing withClub Brugge.[2]
While representing Club Brugge at a youth tournament in Portugal, he was spotted by scouts fromBenfica,despite Club Brugge's poor performances at the tournament.[3]He joined the Portuguese club in July 2022, signing a three-year deal.[3][4][5]
International career
editOkon-Engstler is eligible to represent Belgium through birth, Australia through his father, and Italy through his mother.[2]He holds Italian citizenship.[6]
In September 2022, he was called up to theAustralia under-20 team,but did not feature.[7]
He made his debut for theAustralia under-23 teamduring the2023 Maurice Revello Tournament.[8]
Style of play
editA composed, left-footeddefensive midfielder,Okon-Engstler is known for his range of long passes, and is capable of starting attacks from deep.[9]
References
edit- ^Paul Okon-Engstlerat WorldFootball.net
- ^abcd"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].teknomers(in Spanish). 20 December 2022.Retrieved6 March2023.
- ^abRosengarten, Jake (20 July 2022)."Paul Okon Junior joins Portuguese giants Benfica".sport.optus.au.Retrieved6 March2023.
- ^"Paul Okon contratado"[Paul Okon hired].slbenfica.pt(in Portuguese). 19 July 2022.Retrieved6 March2023.
- ^Delvaux, Martin (20 July 2022)."Zoon van assistent Paul Okon verlaat Club Brugge voor Benfica"[Son of assistant Paul Okon leaves Club Brugge for Benfica].nieuwsblad.be(in Dutch).Retrieved6 March2023.
- ^"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»].record.pt(in Portuguese). 19 July 2022.Retrieved6 March2023.
- ^"Young Socceroos Squad Named for Four Continents Tournament in Spain".socceroos.au.13 September 2022.Retrieved6 March2023.
- ^"Olyroos squad named for Maurice Revello Tournament".Socceroos.Football Australia.15 May 2023.
- ^"Paul Okon Jr following in famous father's footsteps".theroar.au.9 August 2022.Retrieved6 March2023.