Western United goalkeeper Filip Kurto is the reigning A-League keeper of the year, but what about the Polish star’s European career?
KURTO’S CAREER: FROM POLAND TO MELBOURNE’S WEST
Poland
Kurto began his career in the Polish third division, making 17 appearances for Promień Opalenica, before moving to first division club Wisła Kraków, where he spent the majority of his time in the club’s youth side.
At 19 years old he was part of the 2010/11 Ekstraklasa (first division]) winning squad, playing his only two games for Wisła Kraków that season.
It was Wisła Kraków’s 14th and most recent domestic title.
Kurto also represented his country in 2010, called up for Poland’s U-20 side for friendlies against Uzbekistan and Italy.
Netherlands
At the peak of his powers, Kurto sealed a move to the Netherlands’ top flight, the Eredivisie.
The shot-stopper would go on to play 108 games for Dutch clubs Roda JC Kerkrade, FC Dordrecht and Excelsior.
A-League
Kurto joined the Wellington Phoenix in the 2018/19 season, where he led the league with 80 saves made.
The Pole went on to win the A-League’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, edging out the likes of Andrew Redmayne of Sydney FC and Jamie Young of Brisbane Roar.
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Western United
In May 2019 it was announced that Kurto would join the A-League’s newest club, Western United.
He reunited with his manager from Wellington, Mark Rudan, who would eventually follow to Victoria’s west.
Kurto’s time in Green and Black would begin with a win away to his former side.
The star keeper remained composed to record his first clean sheet of the season in the 1-0 win.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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