Melbourne Victory kick off their campaign against Korean outfit Chunnam Dragons on Wednesday night with Vargas and his colleagues absolutely ‘buzzing’ and out to impress.

Vargas is well aware of Verbeek’s comments surrounding the standard of the A-League (and its participants) in comparison to those leagues in Europe.

However, the Victory’s joint player of the season says the competition provides a fresh opportunity to show that Australian-based players have what it takes to shine in tough surroundings.

The defender, who also picked up his club’s players’ player of the year award, was part of Verbeek’s recent train on squad ahead of the Qatar match.

He is itching for another chance to be involved and accepts a good Champions League showing, individually and collectively as a team, can do the green and gold cause no harm at all.

Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com, Vargas said: “I think Pim Verbeek will be following the progress of both ourselves and Adelaide United very closely.

“This competition will ask an awful lot of people and it’s definitely a step up. I’m sure he will be studying how the players cope with the change.

"You are looking at different styles of football, big crowds, different temperatures and different pressures. I’m sure he’ll be looking out to see those that can cope with all these things and do well.

“If you can come through this, learn and progress then I guess you’re not going to do your own prospects any harm.

“A lot of the other teams involved in the competition have quite a number of internationals in their teams so as I’ve said, it’s a real challenge.

“I loved being part of the last squad, it was awesome and I’d love another opportunity.”

Socceroo issues aside, Vargas insists Melbourne’s players are good to go and he hopes the football-starved Melbourne public are also bursting for action.

He said: “The boys have been working hard, including plenty of sessions in a heat chamber. I think we’ve really benefited from that and I think it showed in the match we had against Adelaide last week when it was 35 degrees.

“It must be six or seven weeks since the fans have had a chance to watch us so hopefully they’ll be really looking forward to getting out and getting behind the boys.

“There’s a real buzz around the city and we’re all looking forward to getting underway.”

As for his own recent accolades at the club’s annual awards bash, Vargas says modestly: “It’s always nice when your peers vote for you. I’ll be honest, it was a surprise though.

"I wasn’t expecting it. The only disappointment was not getting it after grand final celebrations.”