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.
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.
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.
“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.
“So I think this is a difference. Maybe in Belgium it’s a bit more organised, let’s say.
