There will be a big taste of Europe when Western Sydney Wanderers take on Adelaide United in next week’s second Westfield FFA Cup semi-final.
Both sides have made strong starts to their Hyundai A-League campaign and will fancy their chances of booking a spot against Sydney FC in the decider.
And it’s no surprise the club’s imports have played a role in their charge through to the last four, with up to eight players from four different European nations set to feature next Tuesday night.
THE SPANISH CONNECTION
Isaías has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Hyundai A-League during his four seasons with Adelaide United and has also been handed the captain's armband.
The combative Reds talisman will come up against a trio of his countrymen in the semi-final.
Striker Oriol Riera has hit the ground running for Wanderers, scoring goals in both the Hyundai A-League and Westfield FFA Cup.
Supplying the ammunition in impressive fashion is former Real Betis winger Alvaro Cejudo, while Raul Llorente has brought steel to the Western Sydney defence.
GERMANY v THE NETHERLANDS IN MIDFIELD
Imposing midfielder Daniel Adlung was the first player Marco Kurz wanted to sign when he took over as Reds coach and he finally got his man.
The German enforcer has quickly found his feet in the Hyundai A-League.
And he'll need to be at his sharpest come semi-final time to nullify the threat posed by Roly Bonevacia.
The Dutchman is one of the most dangerous attackers in the country and has lost none of his potency since an off-season switch from Wellington.
ADELAIDE'S EUROPEAN FLAVOUR
Marco Kurz has also lured two other high-quality players to Coopers Stadium.
Flying Dane Johan Absalonsen has quickly become a fan favourite, scoring in his first two Hyundai A-League games as well as netting for the Reds in the Westfield FFA Cup.
At the back, Australian-born Turkish international Ersan Gülüm has shown the sort of no-nonsense defending and whole-hearted commitment that have earned him a fierce reputation and impressive playing contracts in Europe and Asia.
