Brisbane Roar head coach Alex Smith has lauded new Dutch midfielder Bente Jansen following a brilliant debut performance which helped the Roar defeat Melbourne Victory in Round 1.
The 26-year-old former Ajax forward opened her account for the season with a stunning curling effort in the 22nd minute which had the home crowd on their feet.
Jansen then turned provider late in the game as the Dutchwoman’s deep cross was headed home by CommBank Matildas star Tameka Yallop at the death to seal an impressive 3-2 win over Melbourne Victory.
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“Bente is a fantastic player,” said Smith, when speaking to reporters after the game, which was halted for more than an hour due to lightning strikes in the area.
“I think you probably saw a little glimpse today, but not probably the full scope of just how good she is.
“So, much more to come from her, but (we’re) thrilled to have a player of her calibre in the squad.
“We saw with the assist as well for Meeks (Yallop) in the end there, getting the third goal. So as I’ve said previously, in the last couple of weeks, the quality and the depth across the squad is really fantastic.”
A three-time Dutch league champion with FC Twente, Jansen’s class was evident throughout the contest at Spencer Park, with her stunning strike in the 22nd minute no doubt already putting Ninja A-League defences on notice.
“Yeah, for sure, I thought she missed the easy one just minutes before that,” smiled Smith when discussing Jansen’s super strike.
“So that’s just a testament to her quality. And everyone we brought in from the visa players to the Australians, have been fantastic.
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“So really pleased with the way the squad’s gelling, and that’s only going to go, you know, a lot further to helping that along.”
Next up for Brisbane Roar is an away trip to Western Australia on Friday night, when they take on Perth Glory in Round 2 of the Ninja A-League.
