Not many Australians have had the opportunity to pull on the famous Liverpool shirt and play with some of the best players from around the world.
The only player that comes to mind is none other than Harry Kewell.
There is another however. And whilst Jake Brimmer may of never made a first-team appearance at Anfield, he was lucky enough to star alongside Steven Gerrard – albeit for one game in the superstar’s return from injury – during his run in the youth set-up.
The Melbourne-born youngster was spotted by the scouts of the English Premier League during their 2013 pre-season trip Down Under and signed a scholarship contract the following year.
Whilst only making two appearances for the under-23 side and none for the senior team, the experience is one that has clearly shaped the creative midfielder.
So much so, that his reunion under former Perth Glory boss – Tony Popovic – has seen a career-best season that could lead to a further European adventure next season.
Tuesday night’s unbelievable volley against Western United was just another feather in the cap of the 24-year-old.
He has improved his output in each of the last three seasons, becoming one of the major catalysts for Victory’s charge up the table.
His 13 goal involvements this season – six goals and seven assists – are among the highest in the league.
In fact, he has the fourth-most assists of any player and the thirteenth highest goal tally.
Impressive for a player that failed to score in 19 games only two seasons ago.
“Jakey [Brimmer] is doing something now that he probably needed in his game. He’s scoring a lot more frequently now than in the past couple of months,” Popovic reflected post-match.
“He’s always assisted goals but he’s now starting to score more, and he’s scored once again tonight in a big game. We’re very happy with how he’s playing and hopefully he can produce another special moment on Saturday.”
The bond between a coach and a player is extremely important. Popovic coached a then 20-year-old Brimmer at Perth Glory.
The youngster managed 19 games, but only played the full 90 minutes four times that season. He didn’t manage a single goal or assist.
Fast forward three years and ‘Jakey’ – as he is affectionately known around the club – is a key cog in the Victory machine headed towards a first grand-final in four years.
“Whether its me or not you have to ask Jakey. [I think] It’s the player himself, he’s more mature now,” Popovic continued.
“He’s always had the talent and now he’s a lot more consistent in his play. He gained confidence last year by playing a lot of minutes, and he furthered that and set some really high standards in pre-season. He was one of the players in our squad that didn’t miss one single day of training.
“He wanted to be the best everyday, and when you work that way and have the talent that Jakey has, the rewards will follow. At the moment he keeps making small steps forward in his game, and once again delivering today in a big match.
“It was a tough game where there wasn’t a lot of space for him, they defended very well but he’s gaining that maturity and composure and calmness to not get so frustrated like maybe he would have a few years ago.”
The development of young players in the A-League Men is something that is often ridiculed.
But after watching Brimmer’s latest game, Melbourne City’s young guns and Adelaide’s high-school aged attackers, the league is in good hands.
But for this moment, the focus is on Brimmer, as it should be. His goal has put Victory in the driver’s seat ahead of Saturday’s second leg against Western United.
You never know. After a season like this it may be his second-last game in a Victory shirt.
Feature image credit: Ngau Kai Yan
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