Emerton hits the glory trail

By Simon Hart

Brett Emerton has made a big impact at Feyenoord since arriving in Rotterdam from Sydney Olympic FC, his hometown club, two years ago. An Australian international at 19, his performances down the right for Feyenoord have earned covetous glances from a number of clubs in England, notably Newcastle United FC who offered over €12m for his signature in the summer.

'A good footballer'
Yet he remains at Feyenoord, where his coach, Bert van Marwijk, describes him as "a good football player with good technique who can come forward all the time but sometimes has problems with defending". uefa.com caught up with the versatile 23-year-old to hear why he prefers playing in midfield to defence - and why a move to England still appeals.
 
uefa.com: You nearly joined Newcastle in the summer. How glad are you that you stayed?

Brett Emerton: I've been at Feyenoord two years now and I've enjoyed every minute. At the moment it looks like we've got a good team and we can do big things this season so I'm happy to be here.
 
uefa.com: But does a move to England still appeal to you?

Emerton: Definitely. I've made it known that one day in the future I'd like to play in England, whether it be next year or the year after, who knows? Obviously it depends how I play over the next season and if clubs are interested in me. But there's a chance that hopefully one day I'll play there.

uefa.com: How much confidence have Feyenoord taken from winning the UEFA Cup last year?

Emerton: It's a huge confidence booster. Everyone believes that no matter which side we come up against we can go out there and come away with a result so it's good for everybody. Also, it's a well-balanced team this year. Everyone can play good football and after winning the UEFA Cup there's a renewed confidence and it shows out on the park.

uefa.com: Is there a big difference between playing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup?

Emerton: Yes, I think so. The Champions League consists of the best teams in the world and there is a noticeable difference between the two competitions but I think we're up for it and hopefully we can do well. It was a huge step for us to go to Newcastle and get three points and it puts us in good stead to make the second round. If we can string together a couple more good performances the second round is within our reach.

uefa.com: How happy are you with your own form this season?

Emerton: So far my form has been OK although there's still room for improvement. That's what you strive for as a player, to become better and better each season. 
 
uefa.com: You play both at full-back and in midfield for Feyenoord. Which do you consider your best position?

Emerton: I'm happiest playing in midfield - I think that's where my game is best suited. Throughout the year I've been chopping and changing between midfield and defence, but while I play where's best for the team, right-back is not my preferred position. I like to get forward as much as I can and get crosses in and playing at full-back it's sometimes hard to do that. For Australia I usually play on the right side of midfield, a more attacking role and this is my preferred position.