There's been a lot of talk this season about Keisuke Honda, a growing chorus for Ola Toivonen, and a few hushed whispers about Alex Baumjohann.

But not a lot has been said about the standout marquee of this, and many other, seasons in the New Zealand capital, Steven Taylor. But after Wellington dismantles Sydney FC 3-1 last weekend, a few more started to take notice.

“Everybody was talking about Sydney’s got this, Sydney’s got that, they’re going to hurt you in different situations," the defender told a-league.com.au

“But if you’ve got a group of players like we’ve got, the quality that we’ve got, especially the pace and the power and experience in the side, we look at teams and always back ourselves in every game.

“The biggest thing I’ve found with the A-League is its 50/50, every game is 50/50 and about who wants it more. It’s as simple as that.”

The defender has taken to the A-League with the same grit and determination that he has brought to the field since his debut 15 years ago, once again affirming the worth of an experienced foreign centreback.

If Honda seems like a good grab at 32-years-old, then gruff centreback Taylor is practically a spring chicken at the same age. His position relies on wit and tenacity, qualities the Englishman has shown in spades.

But after nearly 13 years in the Premier League with Newcastle United, the defender knows a thing or two about spotting talent himself, and judging by the tone of his venacular, he's fitting in quite well with what he sees in Wellington.

 

“I go into every game believing I’m going to win when you’ve got the likes of Burnsy [Nathan Burns], Willo [David Williams], Preet [Sarpreet Singh], Krishna… flair players who can hurt teams," Taylor said.

“Especially with Preet at the moment, who is just flying.

"He’s got a bit of everything - he holds the ball up, can get in behind, use both feet… the guy is going to get better and better."