Auckland FC midfielder Louis Verstraete believes Isuzu UTE A-League players are better than those in Belgium as he hailed the level of the competition.
Verstraete was recruited from his native Belgium and the 25-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the signings of the season amid newcomers Auckland’s record-breaking start to 2024-25.
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The former Belgium youth international, who played for Belgian top-flight and second-division clubs like Gent, Antwerp, Oostende and Beveren, has been integral to Auckland winning their first five games while keeping five clean sheets.
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Ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster New Zealand Derby against rivals Wellington Phoenix in Round 7, Verstraete was asked about his thoughts on the A-Leagues.
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“I didn’t know the league beforehand,” he said while appearing on Total A-Leagues, hosted by Sydney Morning Herald reporter Vince Rugari and retired Socceroo Tommy Oar.
“I was surprised that the level is higher than I expected, I must say, and especially the individual players are really good with the ball.
“So I think this is a difference. Maybe in Belgium it’s a bit more organised, let’s say.
“But on the ball, I think on average, the players in the A-League are better than in Belgium.”
