Top 5 A-League Exports

With Robbie Kruse recently getting rave reviews for his performances in the German Bundesliga, we have decided to gather together our Top 5 Exports of the Hyundai A - League. This was certainly not an easy decision with the calibre of what our league has produced but we are confident that what we have come up with is spot on the money. Recent departures such as Tom Rogic and Aziz Behich were not considered because it has been to soon for them to make an impact for their respective new clubs.


5. Adam Sarota

After being a bit part player with the Brisbane Roar in his 2 year tenure with the club, it is fair to say it came as a massive surprise when he was signed by Dutch giants FC Utrecht along with Tommy Oar and Michael Zullo in 2010. Since his arrival in Holland he has made 29 appearances for Utrecht, played in the Europa League and featured for the Socceroos.

4. Mitch Langerak

Many doubted that Mitch would make it as a professional footballer in his younger years, but boy has he made them eat their words. After signing with Melbourne Victory in 2007 he was sent out on - loan to Victorian Premier League club South Melbourne. With some great luck Galekovic and Michael Theo both moved on paving the way for Langerak to be Victory's no.1. After impressing German giants Borussia Dortmund, they decided to make three bids for him before both parties could come to an agreement for him to join Dortmund in 2010. He has since made six appearances for the club including a debut against Bayern Munich, Langerak is so important to Dortmund that they have never allowed him to go out on loan.


3. Sasa Ognenovski

Asian Player of the Year, named in the K -League best XI and Asian Champions League winning captain, not bad for a former Victorian Premier Player / part time Carpenter. After stellar spells with the Roar and Adelaide K - League giants Seongnam came calling signing him in 2009. Not only has he received the accolades in Asia he is now a permanent feature with the Socceroos, a perfect example that you should never give up on your dreams.

2. Tommy Oar

The "Next Harry Kewell" whilst the comparison with our best ever player is unfair and inaccurate, Tommy Oar is certainly one of our brightest young prospects. Tommy Oar joined FC Utrecht the same time as Zullo and Sarota but it is Oar who has excelled the most in Holland. 41 appearances for Utrecht is a solid amount of game time for a 21 year old in a top side in Europe. Also a regular Socceroo the world is certainly at the feet of young Tommy Oar.

1. Robbie Kruse

If you had told Robbie Kruse back in 2009 that he would be a Socceroo playing his club football in the German Bundesliga he would've laughed at you and walked away. Party boy antics and poor attitude meant the Brisbane Roar parted ways with him at seasons end in 2009 leaving his career in limbo. No clubs wanted him and he looked set to disappear into the Queensland state league, but Ernie Merrick decided to take a punt on him and boy did it pay off. Two brillant seasons with Melbourne Victory sparked interest from Fortuna Dusseldorf and he moved to Germany in 2011. Due to his change of mentality Robbie has saved his career and will no doubt have a long and successful career in Europe and with our National team.

Congratulations Robbie on being our best A-League export.