Six Questions: Ben Warland of Sydney FC
Ben Warland of Sydney FC…
Sydney FC centre-back, Ben Warland, has been a part of title winning squads at Adelaide United and now at Sydney FC.
The 24-year-old has also had the honour of participating in competitions like the AFC Champions League and has represented Australia at youth level for the U-20 team in the past.
Here, Ben talks about his time at Adelaide United and dealing with injury setbacks to come back stronger and fitter than ever, amongst other things.
Via SydneyFC
I can imagine that in your position as a centre-back you would have come up against some talented attackers already.
Are there any particular opponents that you can recall that stood out in terms of their talent and ability?
Being a centre-back you usually come up against the bigger names, which is always a good challenge and a great test for myself.
I remember playing again Brazilian attacker Ademilson when I was playing for Adelaide United during our Asian Champions' League group stage.
He was playing for Gamba Osaka at the time.
That was an awesome experience for me, the level of awareness in the attacking third and his movement off the ball was a great learning experience for me.
I will always remember that.
We drew that game 3-3 away from home.
Growing up, who were your idols in the footballing world?
My idol in the footballing world would have to be Sergio Ramos.
I like the way he plays the game and how he goes about his business.
He is comfortable on the ball and has a great passing range, also gets on the end of attacking set pieces which is a real bonus.
He is a great defender and one of the best in the world.
I like to try and play like him and be a solid defender, comfortable with the ball at my feet and have a good passing range.
How would you describe your time at hometown club Adelaide United, are there any particular memories from your time there that you would like to recall?
My time at Adelaide United was great.
I grew up dreaming to play for my home town team, I used to go and watch them play when I was younger with my Mum and Dad.
To make that dream a reality was awesome and something I am proud of.
I was fortunate enough to play in front of my friends and family.
One moment that stands out is my A League debut.
I came off the bench in a game we were winning 3-1 so there wasn’t much pressure on me.
I just made the most of it, got plenty of touches on the ball and soaked in the atmosphere Infront of our home supporters. It was awesome.
You were extremely unlucky with injuries in the last two years after missing the majority of the 18-19 season due to a broken foot and then, unfortunately, rupturing your ACL on your return.
How difficult a period was that for you and how did you get through it?
Yes, I have had some bad luck over the last 2 years with injuries.
It was tough going through them both, but more notably my ACL injury.
After my foot injury I made my comeback and I was starting week in week out and I was loving life. I was playing well and the team was doing very well.
Unfortunately, a few weeks out from our finals series I ruptured my ACL in an A League match against Melbourne City.
That rehab was tough, knowing you’re out for an extended period of time.
I was devastated but with the help from my friends, family, girlfriend and the club I got through it and came out stronger on the other side.
I took the rehab time to better myself and become a stronger athlete.
I have never felt better than what I did coming out of that rehab.
I am not looking back now, only looking forward and playing football matches.
How would you describe the experience of playing in the AFC Champions League among Asia's elite?
Asian Champions League is an awesome experience.
I really enjoy playing against Asia’s best teams and really testing myself.
Also experiencing travelling to all parts of Asia to play these games.
As a player you always want to play at the highest level possible.
Luckily for me, during my time at Adelaide United, we were in the Asian Champions League a few times and my current club Sydney FC hasn’t missed an Asian Champions League campaign since I joined the club.
Are there any particular managers or coaches who have played a vital role in your career and in your development so far that you would like to thank?
Growing up when I was younger, I had a coach called Drago Kljajic.
He really showed me how to enjoy football and understand it.
His training sessions were enjoyable and intense which I loved.
Without having him as a coach I honestly don’t think I would be where I am.
He had a great influence on my development as a footballer.
He is still doing great things back in South Australia, he has started his own academy called ‘Drago’s Football Academy’.
