Wanderers add two more

Italian lacopo La Rocca and Dutchman Youssouf Hersi have agreed to terms for the 2012-13 season and Wanderers coach Tony Popovic confirmed an under 21 player will also join the squad in the coming days.

Western Sydney has 19 squad members and needs a minimum of 20 for its inaugural season.

Popovic is pleased with the depth he's assembled so far ahead of Wanderers' opening match against Central Coast on 6 October.

Hersi, 30, is an attacking player capable of playing in the midfield or up front.

Youssouf Hersi in action:

La Rocca, 28, is a versatile defensive option.

"They're two players we've followed closely, obviously through the networking we've got in Europe, we've seen numerous recent games they've played," Popovic said.

"Youssouf's a tricky little player, very quick, versatile and I think he'll add a lot in the front third to our squad.

"Lacopo is an Italian that's been playing in Switzerland for Grasshoppers.

"We think he'll add a lot of competition and strength to our defence both centrally and also playing in midfield."

Popovic believes the players are the right fit for a team trying to get off the ground and said he deliberately scouted players determined for a new career challenge.

"Each day we feel we're becoming more and more of a unit," Popovic said.

"Usually at training we've had more trialists than players on the training ground so it's nice to finally have a core group together we can work with on a daily basis and we're starting to see the benefits of that.

"We're getting to the business end of our preparations and we're really looking forward to polishing up on a few details and getting ready for that first game for our club which will be a special moment for everybody involved."

Ethiopian-born Hersi moved to the Netherlands when he was four and was signed by Ajax as a 13-year-old.

He played two full seasons for the first team before spending time at a variety of clubs in Netherlands, Greece and Cyprus.

After an injury last year, Hersi said he wanted to enjoy his football again. "I wanted to start a new, out of Europe. I thought why not, I will try come to Australia to play soccer," he said.

"I think my experience will benefit the team. I've played a lot of games in Holland and in different countries."

La Rocca says he's looking forward to the physical nature of the A-League.

"It's a good opportunity for me," he said.

"It's a new team and I hope my best for the team."