The Wellington Phoenix might have lost their pre-season match against Auckland City but they gained something in the form of Spanish midfielder Albert Riera.
The Auckland City midfielder was invited to Wellington to trial for the Phoenix after impressing in the 1-0 win at Kiwitea St and today signed a one-year contract. He fills the final of five import spots in the squad, alongside Paul Ifill, Carlos Hernandez, Stein Huysegems and Kenny Cunningham, and brings the total number of players to 20 on the eve of Wellington's A-League opener against Brisbane at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.
"Albert really stood up in that game and signing him gives us cover in midfield which is vital,'' Merrick said. "He is a ball winner and his passing is first-class. He rarely gives the ball away and he will bring composure and on-field maturity to an important position.
"I had been looking for someone like Albert for a while because the modern game puts high physical demands on players, especially in midfield.
"On top of that we face some challenges other A-League clubs don't have in that we often lose our All Whites on international duty.''
