The chance to learn from ex-Socceroos forward John Aloisi and Italian veteran Alessandro Diamanti has lured young Australian striker Noah Botic to the A-League.
The 19-year-old has joined Western United on a two-year deal after spending the past two seasons as part of the youth setup at German Bundesliga club Hoffenheim.
Botic, who made a name for himself with the Joeys at the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil in 2019, said the chance to play under new Western head coach Aloisi played a significant role in his move.
"To be able to continue my footballing career under a legend like John Aloisi was a big drawcard for my move, and to learn from the likes of (Alessandro) Diamanti and (Victor) Sanchez also motivates me," he said.
"I'm ready to work hard this pre-season and hope to make a strong impression."
The Sydney-born Botic scored in each of the first two group stage matches for Australia in the 2019 U17 World Cup before a brace in the final game against Nigeria sealed a place in the knockout stages for the first time since 1999.
"Noah has a strong presence on the park being six-feet tall," Aloisi said.
"He is capable of scoring goals in any number of ways, but it is his intelligence and predatory instincts around the six-yard box that make him incredibly difficult to defend."
Another Australian forward returning to the A-League from Europe is George Blackwood.
The 24-year-old has joined former club Adelaide after a season with English League Two club Oldham.
Blackwood, who has signed a two-year deal with the Reds, was brought to England by Socceroos legend Harry Kewell but struggled with injury and only made 15 appearances for the Latics, scoring three goals.
