New Heracles Almelo boss Ernest Faber says he wants to bring Australian talent to the Netherlands’ top flight after joining the club from Adelaide United.
The two clubs are reportedly looking to collaborate, with Faber – who spent roughly 18 months as the Reds’s technical director – speaking publicly about his interest in creating a pathway from the A-League to the Eredivisie.
“I think they’d be a better fit in the Netherlands,” Faber said, according to Voetbal Primeur.
“I can combine both roles here, and perhaps this way I can also bridge the gap between Europe and the talented Australian generation.”
Faber is serving a dual role at Heracles as technical director and head coach, with Socceroos midfielder Ajdin Hrustic playing a full 90 minutes as he oversaw a 1-1 draw with Telstar in his first match in charge overnight.
The 54-year-old, who is a PSV Eindhoven legend, has been entrusted with the head coach’s role for the remainder of the season following a brilliant interim stint from Hendrie Kruzen, before leading the search for his own successor.
There are currently three Australians in the Eredivisie, each of whom is playing a key role for their side: Jordan Bos (Feyenoord), Max Balard (NAC Breda), Hrustic (Heracles).
Faber may be tempted to poach some young talent from his former club, who have become famed for their production line, with young guns Panagiotis Kikianis, Ethan Alagich, Luke Dizel, Yaya Dukuly, Luka Jovanovic and Jonny Yull all featuring prominently in the early rounds of the A-League season.
There are several other young players across the competition who could be of interest, with the Dutchman having a front row seat to watch the next generation of Australian talent emerge of late.
From an Australian football perspective, it could bring another important pathway for young talent, who have favoured moves to Scotland, England and the USA in recent times.
