Sydney in FFA final

DUTCH international Siem de Jong has provided early evidence of his class, and looks to be another shrewd import choice for Sydney FC after helping them reach the FFA Cup final.

The former Ajax captain scored from a perfectly executed free-kick and laid on a goal for Trent Buhagiar with a well judged pass, in the 3-0 semifinal away win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.

After starting just four games for Ajax last season, 29year-old midfield-attacker de Jong enjoyed the opportunity to play 83 minutes of a meaningful match.

“I haven’t played a lot of these games lately, and for the confidence it’s always good to score and be important for the team,” de Jong said.

“The last 10 minutes I felt (it in) my legs and I need to get more of these games in to improve.” With his compatriot Jop van der Linden sound in defence and Englishman Adam Le Fondre and former Central Coast attacker Trent Buhagiar each scoring regularly through the pre-season, Sydney’s latest recruitment drive is paying early dividends.

The win gives Sydney a chance to be the first team to win back-to-back FFA Cups and put them in a final away to Adelaide United on October 30.