Wellington Phoenix midfielder Albert Riera has been one of the finds of the A-League season and the Spaniard has been rewarded with a one-year extension to his contract. Photo / Getty Images.
Wellington Phoenix midfielder Albert Riera has been one of the finds of the A-League season and the Spaniard has been rewarded with a one-year extension to his contract.
Defender Michael Boxall has also penned a one-year extension as coach Ernie Merrick continues planning for the future.
Since joining the Phoenix
from Auckland City, Riera has been a revelation in the defensive midfield role. The 30-year-old was originally signed as midfield backup but soon found himself in the starting lineup and has become an integral member of the side that won three and drawn one of their last four games.
"I was quite happy to come to the club as backup because I knew it would give me the chance to show what I was capable of and to fight for a starting spot,'' Riera said. "I was surprised to go straight in but I am enjoying it and that is down to Ernie.
"He is so positive and talks to players a lot. In one game we were really struggling in the first half and thought we would be told off at halftime.
