Football: Former Ajax product has impressive CV

Jeffrey Sarpong has played top-level football in Spain and Holland. Photo / Photosport

Asked to list the best players he has faced, Jeffrey Sarpong's answer gives an illustration of his pedigree.

The new Phoenix striker, who will debut for the Wellington club against the Newcastle Jets tonight, doesn't take long to ponder.

"Well, there was [Lionel] Messi," said Sarpong. "He's the best in the world, so it was a great experience. And also [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Everything is on high speed with them. They are obviously on another level."

Few players have arrived in the capital with a more accomplished footballing CV: part of the Ajax system at the age of seven, training and playing alongside some of the best Dutch players of the modern era and coached by Marco Van Basten, time with Real Sociedad in La Liga, taking the field against Real Madrid and Barcelona, 10 caps for Holland at age group level and more than 100 games in the Eredivisie.

But it hasn't always been an easy road. The 27-year-old has played under more managers than he can remember, and the realities of large professional squads in Europe mean Sarpong has spent as much time on the bench as the field.

YouTube footage reveals an obvious talent - pace, strength and a ferocious shot - but he hasn't always had the chance to display it.

Sarpong played just 20 games for Ajax over four years after making his debut for the Amsterdam club as a 17-year-old in the 2005-06 season. He made a promising start at Real Sociedad - 19 appearances in his first season in San Sebastian - but played a total of 87 minutes the following year. Sarpong found his niche at NAC Breda and was a regular fixture for the past two seasons but decided to leave after the Dutch club were relegated last season.

"It has been frustrating but I just try to look forward," said Sarpong. "There is always a number of factors: right place, right time, right manager. That has been the past but I try to make the most of the situation I am in now."

It might seem strange Sarpong would come to Wellington - he had interest from other European clubs - but the appeal of the Phoenix is obvious.

It's the kind of place where the team will be built around him. He's been brought in to replace Nathan Burns, last season's A-League Player of the Year, and the coach doesn't need to be convinced of his talents.

"It was big decision, going to a place you have never been [or] seen before," he admitted. "It's out of your comfort zone and, in that way, is a big step. But every player wants to play where he is given a chance to play a big role."

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick didn't need much convincing.

"We did [our] due diligence," said Merrick. "We wanted to make sure he was the right type of player from a skills perspective, from a physical perspective and [his] character. He's very quick, has an eye for goal, is a good dribbler and can shoot with either foot. And his background [and] pedigree is first-class."

Merrick has proven an astute judge of talent. There have been some misses in the transfer market but many more hits - Albert Riera, Roly Bonevacia, Nathan Burns, Kenny Cunningham and Alex Rodriguez - and Sarpong could be the next.

"I'm trying to be a force in the attack and that is what the Phoenix fans can expect," said Sarpong. "I want to make the top four with the Phoenix and personally be very important for the team.

"I'm not looking too much at the long term. I'm looking step by step. If I get a chance to go back to Europe one day, that will be good but I want to do well here first."