We rate the five best best imports in A-League history in preparation for the upcoming season.
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5. Shinji Ono (Western Sydney Wanderers)
After reports the Wanderers were close to signing Michael Ballack, Ono’s signing wasn’t met with a huge amount of enthusiasm back in 2012.
However when the Japanese midfielder was influential in getting the Wanderers into the Grand Final in its first year of existence with his creative skills and superb touch.
Ono left at the end of the 2013-14 season, but will be remembered as one of the greatest talents the league has ever seen.
4. Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC)
Although there was no doubting his abilities, many were concerned that his playboy attitude, combined with the Sydney nightlife, was been a recipe for disaster.
They needn’t have worried as Yorke led Sydney to the 2005-06 A-League title, scoring 7 goals in 21 matches from a creative midfield role.
He reportedly took full advantage of what Sydney had to offer too, which made his performances all the more impressive.
3. Besart Berisha (Brisbane Roar/Melbourne Victory)
Wild. Unpredictable. Brilliant.
The Albanian has taken the A-League by storm since arriving in 2011 and the striker scored 48 goals in 76 league appearances with the Brisbane Roar.
His passion has boiled over on more than a few occasions, but his goalscoring record cannot be questioned.
After winning two titles in three seasons with the Roar, Berisha has now joined the Melbourne Victory as its designated marquee player.
2. Alessandro Del Piero (Sydney FC)
The Juventus legend’s arrival in Australia caused huge shockwaves in the world of football, and he certainly didn’t disappoint in his two years with the Sky Blues.
His class both and and off the field attracted new fans to the sport in Australia, and whilst Sydney’s results were below average, it wasn’t due to the performance of Del Piero.
Del Piero scored 24 goals in 48 A-League appearances at Sydney, but the chances he created for his teammates was what was most impressive.
A genuine superstar who’s contribution won’t be forgotten.
1. Thomas Broich (Brisbane Roar)
Quite simply the best talent ever seen in the A-League.
Broich didn’t arrive in Australia with the star power of the likes of Yorke, Fowler or Del Piero, but his influence on the Brisbane Roar has been nothing short of superb.
The former German youth international has won three titles in his four seasons in the A-League, and has shown himself to be the best creative player in the competition.