WS Wanderers' imports up close

Forget these guys. Let's talk imports.

The Western Sydney Wanderers have finally filled all five visa spots on their roster after taking their time forming a squad since inauguration in July. With only three weeks to go until the Hyundai A-League kicks off have these imported stars got what it takes to outdo expectations and turn the Wanderers into finals contenders?


Youssouf Hersi (Attacking midfielder)
30 year old Youssouf Hersi could be the surprise package of the A-League this season with his attacking style of football and his receding Ronaldinho-like hair.


The former Dutch youth international who played alongside the likes of Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben and Klaas Jan Huntelaar in the 2001 World Youth Championships has since played in the Dutch first division for various clubs and also had a small stint at AEK Athens in Greece.

With his 68 rating on FIFA that surely means he's a pretty decent player and with his presence along side Aaron Mooy and behind Dino Kresinger it may well be the combination Wanderers need in their first season in the A-League.


Dino Kresinger (Striker)
Croatian born Kresinger will be the key man to bag the goals for the Wanderers this season. For the past two seasons Dino has played for HNK Cibalia in the Croatian top flight and along with that he brings a lot of experience playing 143 games in the top flight with 34 goals and 14 assists and also experience in the Europa League.

The Cibalia fans adore Dino with some even saying that he's one of their best and most beloved players of all time. He left because he didn't get the wages he deserved and now he's found a new home in Sydney and will be the man up front for the Wanderers.

Although his surname ends in 'singer' we have unconfirmed reports that he can't actually hold a tune. And here we were thinking he could give Naum Sekulovski a run for his money..

Dino will look forward to come up against long time friend and now crosstown rival Sydney FC striker Krunoslav Lovrek on October 20 in the Sydney derby.


Iacopo La Rocca (Central Defender)
28 year old Iacopo La Rocca is coming from Swiss club Grasshopper Club Zurich and looks to be the strongest Italian signing in the A-League to date (if you ignore that other guy).

Coming off 19 games in the Swiss top division he will be sure to impress in the Wanderers defensive line this season. He has an impressive pass and a shot power and doesn't mind adding the odd assist.

La Rocca and Del Piero can reminisce together over pasta, expressos and Grosso's dive after the Italian pair have face off in the Sydney derby.


Jerome Polenz (Everywhere)
Jerome Polenz is one of the most versatile players in the A-League and can play basically every single position on the football pitch except 'keeper although I'm sure he's given it a try.

Polenz appeared for both the German Under 19's and German Under 20's and was a part of the 2005 UEFA Under 19's European Championship. He played alongside the likes of Manuel Neuer and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

25 year old Polenz has played 188 matches scoring 31 goals with most of his experience coming in the German second division with Alemannia Aachen but was also a part of the Werder Bremen youth set-up.

Due to Polenz's versatility he will be able to cover any area of the pitch which is a great asset for any club and Wanderers will be sure to reap the benefits.


Mateo Poljak (Defensive Midfielder)
The son of former Dinamo player Ivica Poljak, Mateo grew up with football from day one. The 23 year old defensive midfielder was a part of the famous 1999 Dinamo youth team that included current Croatian Internationals Dejan Lovren and Milan Badelj which won multiple tournaments at home and abroad. Poljak was touted as one for the future stars alongside the likes of Luca Modric but never reached the level required.

Mateo played in the Croatian top division last season with Lokomotiva where he made 24 appearances, two goals and three assists. He has nice ball control and is technically sound which will suit him playing in the central midfield position for the Wanderers.

Mateo is also an excellent amateur futsal player and won many amateur futsal competitions. The Football Sack are ready to introduce him to their football fives team. Pending a physical.

Poljak's best mate is Dinamo left back Josip Pivaric. In closing, the only complaint Mateo has had so far in the country is that Sydney is too expensive. We hear 'dat.