Bayern's Singh backs A-League players to move to Europe, says All Whites would beat Socceroos

Bayern Munich's Sarpreet Singh has identified two Wellington Phoenix players as having the quality to make the transition from the A-League to Europe, while also insisting that New Zealand would be favourites in a match against Australia.

Singh, who was at Wellington for four years before making his move to German giants Bayern Munich, said that Phoenix left-back Liberato Cacace and winger Callum McCowatt have the quality to make the jump up to European football. 

"There's a lot of good players in the A-League, especially younger players now, and a lot of them are getting their chances," Singh said. 

"For me, definitely Libby (Liberato) Cacace, he's bound to get a move somewhere after the season he has had.

"He's definitely capable, his potential is very high.  


"There are also other boys, Callum McCowatt for example. He's been doing well recently. 

"There's a lot of young boys that can cut in Europe for sure. But at the same time, it's not so easy, it's cut-throat, you have to be strong to survive. 

"Nothing is handed to you, you're in a completely different environment, maybe you don't speak the local language, your family is not with you. It takes a lot mentally. But in football the strongest one survives. 

"If you want to play football at the highest level you have to be in Europe, it's as simple as that. 

"I definitely think the A-League is the perfect platform for young players to play and then make the step up to Europe.  

When asked who would be favourites in a match between the Socceroos and the All Whites, the New Zealand international showed no hesitation. 

"100% we're favourites," Singh said. 

"There's a lot of good players coming out of both countries, but the way I look at it the (New Zealand) boys are getting more minutes and playing at a good level and even when you do look at some of the Australian boys who are doing well - Dane Ingham for example, he's Kiwi."

Perth Glory's Ingham was born in Australia but represents New Zealand. 

"I'm really excited about what's happening with our national team. It's a really exciting time with all the players that are coming through and making their marks. I really think we can show the way, and show how we want to play football in New Zealand. 

"Feel free to organise a game against us and we'll be there and see what happens," Singh said with a laugh.

The 21-year-old former A-League star also talked about working with star striker Robert Lewandowski and World Cup all-time top scorer Miroslav Klose who is a coach at Bayern. 

"It's incredible (to work with Klose), I think I'm truly blessed. I've been working with him closely, he works with the younger boys a lot. 

Singh made his Bundesliga debut in December 2019 against Werder Bremen and Bayern's biggest star was on hand to help. 

"Lewandowski was talking to me in the warm-up, and he said 'I'll come play on your side at the start just to help you get into the game', so he was always in the left-pocket when I was playing out wide.

"It was really nice to have someone like that say that to you and come and help you get into the game. 

"I played simple when I got on the ball, tried to work as hard as possible and felt very comfortable there." 


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3 min read
Published 6 August 2020 9:31am
Updated 6 August 2020 3:18pm
By Nick Stoll
Source: SBS The World Game

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