Football: Phoenix add Dutchman Sarpong to strike force
Sarpong was released by Dutch club NAC Breda at the end of last season
WELLINGTON (AFP) - A-League side Wellington Phoenix announced the signing of Dutchman Jeffrey Sarpong on Tuesday, with coach Ernie Merrick confident he can convert the winger into an out-and-out striker.
Sarpong, 27, a former Dutch youth international who has played top-flight football in Holland and Spain, will replace Wellington s Tokyo-bound striker Nathan Burns.
"He s similar to Nathan Burns in that he s very quick, a dribbler, has an eye for goal and can shoot with either foot," Merrick told reporters.
Sarpong, who was released by Dutch club NAC Breda at the end of last season, said he was relishing the challenge of a new role.
"I m good at giving assists but now it s about scoring more goals and it s going to be an interesting challenge," he said.
