Harry Van Der Saag Explained

Harry Van der Saag
Fullname:Harry Eric Van der Saag[1]
Birth Date:29 October 1999[2]
Birth Place:Wahroonga, Australia[3]
Position:Right-back
Currentclub:Brisbane Roar
Clubnumber:17
Youthclubs1:FNSW NTC
Youthyears2:2014–2015
Youthclubs2:Manly United
Youthyears3:2015–2019
Youthclubs3:Sydney FC
Years1:2018–2021
Caps1:28
Goals1:2
Clubs1:Sydney FC NPL
Years2:2019–2022
Caps2:35
Goals2:2
Clubs2:Sydney FC
Years3:2022–2024
Caps3:16
Goals3:2
Clubs3:Adelaide United
Years4:2024–
Caps4:1
Goals4:0
Clubs4:Brisbane Roar
Nationalyears1:2019
Nationalteam1:Australia U23
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:17 May 2024
Nationalteam-Update:14 December 2019

Harry Eric Van der Saag (born 29 October 1999) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a right-back and right winger, for Brisbane Roar.[4]

Early life

Van der Saag was born on 29 October 1999 in Wahroonga, and later raised in Narrabeen. He took interest initially in rugby league before transitioning into football at the age of 12.[5] He also took interest in surfing and golf as hobbies.[6] Van der Saag joined his first football club with Collaroy Cromer Strikers in their juniors' age group.[7] He takes inspiration from Michael Jordan for his determination and strong mentality.[8]

Club career

Sydney FC

Van der Saag began his football career at Manly United before joining Sydney FC Academy at the age of 16.[7] [9] [10] He made his unofficial debut on 30 July 2019 in a friendly match against Paris Saint-Germain, where he was tasked with marking Kylian Mbappé.[11] [12] Sydney FC fell to a 3–0 defeat.[13]

Van der Saag made his competitive debut as a substitute on 14 December 2019 in a 1–0 league win against Central Coast Mariners.[14] His starting debut came on 4 January 2020 in a 2–1 win over Adelaide United at Jubilee Stadium.[15] He then signed his first professional contract with Sydney FC on a two-year deal within a week later.[16] In the next meeting against the Mariners, Van der Saag scored his first league goal, including an assist for Marco Tilio, in a 3–0 victory on 23 February 2020.[17] [18] [19]

Van der Saag won his first title with the club, the A-League Premiership, by the end of the season.[20] He was an unused substitute in Sydney FC's record fifth Championship after defeating Melbourne City in the 2020 A-League Grand Final.[21] [22] He was released by Sydney FC in May 2022 as a result of a squad rebuild.[23] Van der Saag made 35 league appearances, including two goals in total for the club.[2]

Adelaide United

Following his release, Van der Saag was signed by Adelaide United on a two-year contract in June 2022.[24] He made his league debut for the club on 9 October 2022 in a goalless draw with Wellington Phoenix,[2] and scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw against his former side Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium just two weeks later.[25] [26] Van der Saag was soon ruled out after suffering a tear in his right medial meniscus during a training session in late-November. He received surgery in December 2022 and was on a rehabilitation program for the following months.[27] [28] [29]

After struggling to get into the side following his serious injury, his contract expired and he was then released from Adelaide United.[30]

International career

In November 2019, Van der Saag was called up for the Australia U-23 squad that was set to play a series of three friendlies in Chongqing, China.[31] [32] Australia claimed the Dazu Cup after winning all three matches.[33]

Style of play

Mainly positioned as a right-back, Van der Saag is able to play as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced midfield role. He was described by Sydney FC manager Steve Corica to be a "younger" Rhyan Grant for his versatility and work rate.[34] For Adelaide United, Van der Saag was utilised more as an attacking wing-back, being given more attacking freedom whilst using his endurance to return in defence.[35]

Career statistics

[2]

ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Sydney FC2019–20[36] A-League1210040161
2020–21[37] A-League1210000121
2021–22[38] A-League Men1104140191
Total3524180473
Adelaide United2022–23[39] A-League Men61300091
2023–24[40] A-League Men1010000101
Total1623000192
Brisbane Roar2024–25[41] A-League Men10100020
Career total5248180685

Honours

Club

Sydney FC

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Harry Van der Saag . worldfootball.net . 1 November 2023 . en.
  2. Web site: H. Van der Saag: Summary . Soccerway . Perform Group . 1 November 2023.
  3. Web site: Harry Van der Saag – Adelaide United . . 1 November 2023.
  4. Web site: Harry Van Der Saag signs for Brisbane Roar. Brisbane Roar. 17 May 2024.
  5. Web site: Lulham . Amanda . Teen football star Harry Van der Saag chasing another dream debut after snaring Sydney FC contract . The Daily Telegraph . 1 November 2023 . https://archive.today/20231031090513/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/sport/teen-football-star-harry-van-der-saag-chasing-another-dream-debut-after-snaring-sydney-fc-contract/news-story/419d4bdc44e0195b20b5e421a1dd51be?amp&nk=05dcf9c831e0c7a7426a68cf67263233-1698743122 . 31 October 2023 . 24 September 2019.
  6. Web site: Lockdown With: Harry Van der Saag . Sydney FC . 1 November 2023 . 9 July 2021.
  7. Web site: Curulli . Chris . Van der Saag strikes for Sydney FC – By Chris Curulli - Manly United Football Club . . 31 October 2023 . en-AU . 26 February 2020.
  8. Web site: What's On With Harry Van der Saag . Sydney FC . 1 November 2023 . 27 May 2020.
  9. Web site: Harry Van der Saag Signs New Deal . . 31 October 2023 . 14 January 2020.
  10. Web site: Bossi . Dominic . 'Age doesn't matter': Kids shining in Sydney FC's changing of the guard . The Sydney Morning Herald . 31 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20230609112936/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/age-doesn-t-matter-kids-shining-in-sydney-fc-s-changing-of-the-guard-20200227-p544zt.html . 9 June 2023 . en . 27 February 2020.
  11. Web site: Smithies . Tom . Kylian me softly: The day I got an Mbapptism of fire on my pro debut . A-League . 31 October 2023 . en-AU . 21 December 2022.
  12. Web site: Bossi . Dominic . Sydney FC teen snares Mbappe's match shirt after dream debut . The Sydney Morning Herald . 31 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231031090505/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sydney-fc-teen-snares-mbappe-s-match-shirt-after-dream-debut-20190731-p52clr.html . 31 October 2023 . en . 31 July 2019.
  13. Web site: Rayson . Zac . PSG vs Sydney: Superstars Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani star in 3-0 win . Fox Sports . 1 November 2023 . en . 30 July 2019.
  14. Web site: Lulham . Amanda . Harry Van der Saag makes Sydney FC debut against Mariners . The Daily Telegraph . 1 November 2023 . https://archive.today/20231031090459/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/sport/harry-van-der-saag-makes-sydney-fc-debut-against-mariners/news-story/2e1954b3d4d4dae1b0aa2cae6e8f037d?amp&nk=d8c53520137b1e99328838560d0754b8-1698743110 . 31 October 2023 . 17 December 2019.
  15. Web site: Van der Saag Feeling Sky Blue Now . Sydney FC . 1 November 2023 . 7 January 2020.
  16. Web site: Harry Van der Saag Signs New Deal . Sydney FC . 1 November 2023 . 14 January 2020.
  17. Web site: Sydney FC young guns seal A-League win - Nine Wide World of Sports . Nine News . 1 November 2023 . en . 23 February 2020.
  18. Web site: Rayson . Zac . Pair of Sydney starlets score maiden goals in incredible arrival . Fox Sports . 1 November 2023 . en . 23 February 2020.
  19. Web site: Parkin . Richard . 'Finally bearing fruit' - collaboration paves the way for A-League fairytales . The Guardian . 1 November 2023 . 1 March 2020.
  20. Web site: Quick Catch Up: Harry Van der Saag . Sydney FC . 1 November 2023 . 25 August 2020.
  21. Web site: Sydney FC set new Australian record with Grand Final success . Football Australia . 1 November 2023 . en . 31 August 2020.
  22. Web site: Van der Saag Thrilled With Unusual Debut Season . Sydney FC . 1 November 2023 . 6 July 2020.
  23. Web site: MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE: Sydney FC Rebuild Begins As 12 Players Move On . Sydney FC . 1 November 2023 . 19 May 2022.
  24. Web site: Filosi . Gianluca . Reds secure Harry Van der Saag . Adelaide United . 1 November 2023 . 8 June 2022.
  25. Web site: Reds Hold On After Sky Blues Bombardment . Sydney FC . 1 November 2023 . 23 October 2022.
  26. Web site: Chalk . Ethan Lee . 'It was a mistake': Controversial decision puts dampener on great game . The Inner Sanctum . 1 November 2023 . 25 October 2022.
  27. Web site: Harry Van der Saag undergoes surgery . Adelaide United . 1 November 2023 . 7 December 2022.
  28. Web site: Van der Saag's vow to make United impact . Adelaide United . 1 November 2023 . 21 April 2023.
  29. Web site: Harrington . Anna . Utd keen to keep ALM momentum against Roar . South Western Times . 1 November 2023 . en . 8 December 2022.
  30. Web site: laurabates . 2024-05-17 . Reds Farewell Three Defenders From A-league Men's Side . 2024-05-17 . Adelaide United . en-AU.
  31. Web site: Australia U-23 National Team Named for China Tour. Football Federation Australia. 11 November 2019.
  32. News: Harry Van der Saag earns Aussie call-up before hitting pitch for Sydney FC in A-League. The Daily Telegraph. 17 November 2019.
  33. Web site: Australia U-23s claim 2019 'Dazu Cup' in China. Football Federation Australia. 20 November 2019.
  34. Web site: Bossi . Dominic . "A young Rhyan Grant": Sydney FC coach backs Harry van der Saag to fill void . The Sydney Morning Herald . 1 November 2023 . https://archive.today/20231031090512/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/he-is-like-a-young-rhyan-grant-corica-says-van-der-saag-has-the-right-stuff-20200730-p55h02.html . 31 October 2023 . en . 30 July 2020.
  35. Web site: Van der Saag's timely run to the Reds . Adelaide United . 1 November 2023 . 12 October 2022.
  36. Web site: Harry Van der Saag (Defender, Sydney FC): 2019/20 . Ultimate A-League . 1 November 2023 . en.
  37. Web site: Harry Van der Saag (Defender, Sydney FC): 2020/21 . Ultimate A-League . 1 November 2023 . en.
  38. Web site: Harry Van der Saag (Defender, Sydney FC): 2021/22 . Ultimate A-League . 1 November 2023 . en.
  39. Web site: Harry Van der Saag (Defender, Adelaide United): 2022/23 . Ultimate A-League . 1 November 2023 . en.
  40. Web site: Harry Van der Saag (Defender, Adelaide United): 2023/24 . Ultimate A-League . 19 October 2024 . en.
  41. Web site: Harry Van der Saag (Defender, Brisbane Roar): 2024/25 . Ultimate A-League . 19 October 2024 . en.
  42. News: Football Federation Australia. Sydney FC set new Australian record with Grand Final success. 1 September 2020. 1 September 2020.