Phoenix signs Polish goalkeeper Kurto
WELLINGTON: Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan has continued to build from the back with confirmation of Polish goalkeeper Filip Kurto as his second player signing.
A week after welcoming veteran English defender Steven Taylor to the ALeague, Rudan has snapped up the former Poland youth team player from Dutch club Roda JC.
The 27yearold has been hailed as potentially one of the best glovemen in the league by Rudan, who has kept an eye on his career in
Europe.
Kurto played
108 games in the topflight
Eredivisie for
Roda JC in
201214. His second stint was not so productive, spending the entire
201718 season on the bench as the club was relegated.
‘‘We have known about him for some time. He has all the attri butes to be one of the best goalkeepers in the ALeague,’’ Rudan said.
The 1.92m Kurto shapes as the likely firstchoice custodian at the Phoenix, which used four different keepers last year. Experienced pair Lewis Italiano and Tando Velaphi have moved on while Oliver Sail and Keegan Smith remain on the books.
However, Rudan has previously acknowledged the young Kiwi pair need more experience to become ALeague regulars.
Kurto said his move would satisfy his curiosity about the standard of play Down Under.
‘‘I have known about the ALeague for a while and when I was told there was interest I felt this offer came at the perfect time for me,’’ he said.
‘‘The manager has a real enthusiasm and passion to win and he stressed to me that he wants players who will give everything for the club.’’
On the pitch, the Phoenix won its first preseason game with a 10 defeat of Wairarapa United 10 in Masterton.