Wellington Phoenix are making significant moves in the transfer market, bolstering their Ninja A-League lineup with a host of international talent as they gear up for the 2025-26 season.
The latest addition, Tessel Middag, boasts an impressive track record, having secured eight domestic trophies and earned 44 international caps playing for the Netherlands throughout her illustrious career.
As the 32-year-old prepares to join the Wellington squad, aleagues.com.au highlights three major factors that influenced her decision to leave Europe for the first time and why she believes the Phoenix are poised for success in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.
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A serial winner with a stunning resume
After 15 successful years in Europe, Tessel Middag is set to arrive in Wellington, eager to expand her impressive trophy haul.
The Dutch midfielder has represented some of Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester City, Ajax, West Ham, Fiorentina, and most recently Rangers, where she secured three trophies over four seasons with the Scottish club.
Middag lifted the FA Women’s Super League trophy with City in 2016, along with the WSL Cup in the same year. She won the KNVB Women’s Cup during her time at Ajax in 2013-14, and also clinched the Dutch Eredivisie title with ADO Den Haag in the 2011-12 season.
On the international stage, Middag was part of the Netherlands squad at the 2015 Women’s World Cup and competed in the 2017 Algarve Cup.
With her wealth of experience from prestigious European clubs, Middag’s presence could prove invaluable as the Phoenix strive for their first Ninja A-League title.
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Three key factors that lured Middag to the A-Leagues ‘adventure’
After spending four years in Scotland, Middag was enticed by the level of competition in the Ninja A-League.
In a press conference following the confirmation of her transfer to the Phoenix, Middag reflected on her tenure at Rangers, pointing out the stark disparity in quality between the top and bottom teams in the Scottish Premier League, which sometimes led to predictably uneven results.
“After four years at Rangers, I was seeking a new challenge in a more competitive league,” Middag stated.
“I had a fantastic time at Rangers, but the Scottish league tends to be a bit predictable before the split, particularly between the top six and the bottom six teams. It becomes much tougher when the top six face each other after March.”
“I’m excited about joining a league where every match presents a challenge, and the outcome is uncertain. That was one of the key factors that drew me to the A-League.”
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Middag’s choice to join the Phoenix was also swayed by the club’s outstanding training facilities located at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS).
Since relocating their operations and training base to the high-performance sports complex ahead of its launch in 2022, the Phoenix have been able to offer a unique experience within the Ninja A-League, which captured Middag’s interest right away.
“I had very positive discussions with the Phoenix that persuaded me to make the journey across the globe and join this club,” she remarked.
“The facilities played a significant role… I believe there’s a solid plan and vision for how this next season can unfold, and the commitment from the people involved, along with the NZCIS facilities, truly excites me.”
A move to New Zealand was appealing to Middag not just in terms of football but also on a personal level.
“My partner is from New Zealand,” she shared. “So this presents a wonderful opportunity both on and off the pitch to experience football and life in New Zealand.”
“Having been together for two-and-a-half years, I’ve gained an understanding of New Zealand culture.”
“Kiwi and Māori cultures are something I wasn’t raised with… so I view this as another exciting chapter in my football journey, which has already taken me from Amsterdam to Manchester, London, Florence, Glasgow and now Wellington.”
A player shaped by Johan Cruyff and the Dutch football philosophy
For Wellington fans eager to learn about Middag, her first comments as a Phoenix player should spark optimism for the season ahead.
Primarily a midfielder, Middag has taken on defensive responsibilities in recent years due to injuries at Rangers, enhancing her versatility ahead of her arrival at the ‘Nix, where she can impact both defence and midfield.
“I’m open to playing different positions,” she noted.
“I am fundamentally a midfielder; my transition to defence was due to necessity two years ago when injuries arose. The new management at Rangers appreciated my abilities in that position.
“As a midfielder, I prefer going forward and thinking like one. When pressured by strikers, rather than clearing the ball aimlessly, I’m focused on finding a midfielder and creating a play.”
“I bring versatility in the positions I can occupy,” Middag explained. “My understanding of the game allows me to help organise, adapting to what the match requires, always in collaboration with teammates and coaches.”
“Development of game management awareness, recognizing when to accelerate or decelerate our tempo, is another skill I contribute.”
“Growing up in Amsterdam ingrained in me a specific football culture shaped by Johan Cruyff and the Dutch system.”
“I prefer playing with the ball on the ground, creating triangles, something we commonly refer to in my upbringing. However, it’s also about being tactical and mixing in longer passes when necessary.”
“I hope the fans will see all these aspects in my game.”
Aiming for trophies and a refreshing difference between Phoenix and European powerhouses
Middag has had success and victory with numerous European clubs in her career, yet she has identified a notable distinction that fills her with confidence as she sets her sights on winning silverware in the Ninja A-League.
“What stands out is that the Phoenix have had a women’s team in existence for five years,” Middag pointed out.
“At Ajax, West Ham, and Rangers, I entered those teams in their infancy or just after their inception. In contrast, the Phoenix has had a more established presence.
“The club’s staff understand what is needed or what required adjustments can be made, enriched by experiences from prior seasons.
“It’s a leap of faith when signing with any club. I’ve previously joined teams with big ambitions that didn’t pan out. Ultimately, my gut tells me, and the positive interactions I’ve had with every staff member at the Phoenix bolster that excitement.”
“This aspect has been pivotal in my career; clubs may have lofty goals for silverware, but achieving them hinges on establishing a solid culture and environment first.”
“I have a strong sense of confidence that the foundations for success are firmly in place.”
Currently enjoying a holiday in Italy, Middag confirmed her intention to arrive in Wellington ahead of the pre-season, which is slated to commence in September.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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