Fulham starlet Matt Dibley-Dias has been called up to the New Zealand senior squad for the first time ahead of their international friendlies next month.
All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley has rewarded Dibley-Dias’ progress at Motspur Park by including the Wellington-born midfielder in his plans for the matches against DR Congo in Spain on 13th October and a Trans-Tasman clash against Australia four days later, which will be staged at Brentford.
Dibley-Dias, who was voted the winner of the Johnny Haynes’ academy player of the year award in association with the Fulham Supporters’ Trust after a stellar year with the under-21s, has been named on Marco Silva’s bench several times, including on the opening day of the season at Everton. The teenager told Fulham’s official website:
“It’s a great opportunity for me to play against senior level players and it can help give me a platform to perform against first team opponents. Hopefully it will help open more doors for me and I’m just looking forward to seeing what it’s like.”
Bazeley confirmed that the New Zealand coaching and scouting staff have been keeping a close eye on Dibley-Dias’ development at Motspur Park.
“Matt is a player we have been tracking for a while and he has made really good progress over the last year, getting closer to the Fulham first team. It will be great to bring him into camp for the first time and give him a taste of senior international action, especially ahead of a big year with events like the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
