Profile
Francis de Vries is a 31‑year‑old New Zealand international defender born in Christchurch, New Zealand on 28 November 1994. He stands 188cm (6'2") and is left‑footed. He plays primarily as a left‑back but can also operate as a centre‑back for Auckland FC in the A‑League Men. He has 22 caps for the New Zealand national team and featured at the 2026 World Cup. He was named Members’ Player of the Season for Auckland FC in 2024‑25. He has a varied career spanning New Zealand, the United States (NCAA and USL), Sweden, and Australia.
T3 Status
0 of 16 T3 metrics confirmed. No full‑match isolated footage has been evaluated under ESN methodology. All 16 Empire FGA T3 metrics — OBI_P, OBI_T, OBI_S, SII_A, SII_T, SII_R, DMA, CHR, MCS, SPI, CLM, CRS, OMS, DYN, CRK, SOA — are pending scout review. Recommended T3 context: Auckland FC 2025‑26 A‑League Men (LOG ~2.6), Australia Cup, New Zealand national team (World Cup 2026). Priority T3 focus: OBI_P (positional anticipation as a full‑back — does he read the game to intercept and cover?), OBI_T (run timing — does he track runners effectively?), SII_A (explosive acceleration for overlapping runs and recovery sprints), DMA (decision‑making in defensive and attacking situations — when to overlap, when to stay, when to cross?), CHR (character and leadership — how does he organize the backline and handle pressure?), CRS (clutch response — does he deliver in key moments like the 2026 World Cup?), COACH (coachability — how does he adapt to different defensive systems?).
Empire FGA Verdict
FGA 6.6 — New Zealand International · Versatile Defender · A‑League Level. The T1 data reveals a 31‑year‑old defender with a strong A‑League campaign — 7 assists (4th in the league), 25 appearances, and a 7.71 FotMob rating for Auckland FC. He has 22 caps for New Zealand and featured at the 2026 World Cup. However, 0/16 T3 metrics have been validated — no video analysis has been conducted. His defensive positioning, aerial ability, and decision‑making remain unverified at the level required for a higher league. T3 validation is critical to confirm his defensive reliability and attacking contributions. Recommended for immediate monitoring with full video assessment. A solid, versatile defender at the A‑League level with international experience.
| Metric | Value | Context | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Club | Auckland FC | A‑League Men (Australia · 1st tier) | Wikipedia |
| Joined | 2024 | From Eastern Suburbs | Wikipedia |
| Contract | Until 30 Jun 2029 | Multi‑year deal | FotMob |
| Jersey Number | #15 | Auckland FC | FotMob |
| Position | Left‑Back / Centre‑Back | Left‑footed | Wikipedia |
| Height / Weight | 188cm / 80kg | Tall, athletic | Auckland FC |
| Market Value | €275K | Peak: €286.8K (Jun 2026) | FotMob |
| 2025/26 A‑League Apps | 25 (22 starts) | 2,023 minutes | The Analyst |
| 2025/26 Goals | 1 | vs Wellington Phoenix (6 Dec) | The Analyst |
| 2025/26 Assists | 7 | 4th in A‑League | The Analyst |
| FotMob Rating | 7.71 | 25 matches | FotMob |
| Pass Accuracy | 82.5% | — | FotMob |
| Discipline | 2 yellows · 0 reds | 25/26 A‑League | FotMob |
| New Zealand Caps | 22 | 1 goal | Wikipedia |
| World Cup 2026 | 3 apps | vs Belgium, Egypt, England | FotMob |
Sources: Wikipedia, FotMob, The Analyst, Auckland FC.
| Period | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011‑2012 | Canterbury United | New Zealand | 1 | 0 | Youth → senior |
| 2012 | FC Basel U18 | Switzerland | — | — | Youth |
| 2013‑2016 | Saint Francis (NCAA) | USA | 79 | 15 | College |
| 2014‑2016 | Michigan Bucks | USA | 32 | 2 | PDL |
| 2017 | Whitecaps FC 2 | USA | 20 | 0 | USL |
| 2017‑2018 | Canterbury United | New Zealand | 15 | 1 | — |
| 2018 | Nyköpings BIS | Sweden | 11 | 0 | Division 1 |
| 2019‑2022 | IFK Värnamo | Sweden | 97 | 5 | Consecutive promotions |
| 2023‑2024 | Eastern Suburbs | New Zealand | 40 | 7 | — |
| 2024‑ | Auckland FC | Australia | 50 | 3 | Current |
| Career Total | ~346 | ~34 | Approximate | ||
Sources: Wikipedia, Transfermarkt, FotMob. Based on available data.
Tactical Archetype
"The Modern Full‑Back — Attacking, Versatile, International Experience" — De Vries's highest philosophy fit is Cruyff / Intelligence (7.0), reflecting his reading of the game, overlapping runs, and ability to contribute in attack. Michels (6.8) captures his versatility across defensive positions. Guardiola (6.6) reflects his positional awareness and ability to play out from the back. His lowest fit is Mourinho (4.8) — an attacking full‑back who thrives in possession‑based systems does not fit a purely defensive, pragmatic approach. The critical question: can his defensive positioning and consistency translate to the next level?
Attacking · EST
Technical · EST
Mental / Physical · EST
Tier 1 — Wikipedia · Transfermarkt · FotMob · Sofascore
Tier 2 — Composite Estimates
FGA Weighting Breakdown
LOG Context
League: A‑League Men (Australia · 1st tier)
Club: Auckland FC
Previous Club LOG: ~1.8 (New Zealand National League)
Joined: 2024 · Free transfer
Role: Left‑back / centre‑back
7 assists · 7.71 rating · 22 NZ caps
LOG ~2.6 represents the Australian top flight — a competitive league with growing quality. For a 31‑year‑old defender, his international experience and attacking contributions from full‑back are strong credentials. The question is whether his defensive positioning, consistency, and physical attributes could translate to a higher league if given the opportunity.
Tier 3 · Pending · 0/16 Confirmed · LOG ~2.6
OBI_S — PENDING (EST 6.0)
OBI_P — PENDING (EST 6.5)
No video events recorded. As a full‑back, OBI_P (positional anticipation) is critical — does he read the game to intercept and cover? OBI_T (run timing) determines whether he tracks runners effectively. OBI_S (space creation) measures whether his positioning opens passing lanes. All three are essential and completely unverified.
SII_T — PENDING (EST 6.0)
SII_R — PENDING (EST 6.0)
No video events recorded. For a full‑back, explosive acceleration (SII_A) is critical for overlapping runs and recovery sprints. Top‑end speed (SII_T) determines whether he can track quick wingers. Recovery sprint frequency (SII_R) measures his work rate and pressing intensity. T3 must verify whether he has the physical tools to compete at a higher level.
0/16 metrics confirmed across 0 matches
Recommended: Auckland FC 2025‑26 A‑League Men + Australia Cup + New Zealand national team (World Cup 2026) footage. Priority: OBI_P (positional anticipation in defensive transitions), OBI_T (tracking runners), SII_A (overlapping run intensity), DMA (decision‑making in defensive and attacking situations), CHR (leadership and organisation), CRS (clutch moments — World Cup 2026), COACH (adaptation to new defensive system).
Cross‑League Performance Projection
LOG (Level of Game) contextualizes performance across leagues of differing quality. De Vries's 6.6 FGA is an absolute composite estimate for his current A‑League level — weighted toward his 7 assists, 7.71 rating, and 22 New Zealand caps. At 31, he is in his prime, but the level of competition is a significant factor. These projections represent what he would score if transferred today — not what he might become after development.
Methodology & Developmental Assessment
Formula: LOG‑Adjusted Score = Base FGA × (Current League Tier / Target League Tier).
Downward‑move cap: For target leagues weaker than the player's current level (Target LOG < Current LOG), the projected FGA is capped at the base score. Moving to a weaker league does not increase a player's absolute ability.
Bundesliga (3.6): 6.6 × (2.6 / 3.6) = 4.77 → 4.8
Eredivisie (3.2): 6.6 × (2.6 / 3.2) = 5.36 → 5.4
Belgian Pro League (3.0): 6.6 × (2.6 / 3.0) = 5.72 → 5.7
Scottish Premiership (3.0): 6.6 × (2.6 / 3.0) = 5.72 → 5.7
A‑League Men (2.6): Base FGA 6.6 maintained — downward moves do not inflate absolute ability. Player would project as a solid starter in this context.
Developmental Assessment — The De Vries Reality:
At 31, Francis de Vries is a solid, experienced defender with strong attacking contributions — 7 assists (4th in the A‑League), a 7.71 FotMob rating, and 22 caps for New Zealand, including World Cup 2026 appearances. He brings versatility, technical quality, and international experience to Auckland FC. However, the level of competition is a factor — the A‑League is a competitive but mid‑tier league. The realistic career path is:
1. Continue as a key player at Auckland FC (2026‑27) — he has a contract to 2029
2. Compete for A‑League titles and Australia Cup success — his experience is valuable
3. Consider a move to a higher league — a mid‑tier European league would be a step up if he performs consistently
Read before sending to a club: This is a solid, experienced defender at the A‑League level. Do not present De Vries as a guaranteed success in a top European league. He has never played above the A‑League or Swedish second tier and would require adaptation to a more competitive environment. His international experience and attacking contributions are positives, but the LOG context is critical — he is a proven performer in Australia, not Europe.
Top 10 Philosophy Fits
Tactical Archetype
"The Modern Full‑Back — Attacking, Versatile, International Experience" — De Vries's highest philosophy fit is Cruyff / Intelligence (7.0), reflecting his reading of the game, overlapping runs, and ability to contribute in attack. Michels (6.8) captures his versatility across defensive positions. Guardiola (6.6) reflects his positional awareness and ability to play out from the back. His lowest fit is Mourinho (4.8) — an attacking full‑back who thrives in possession‑based systems does not fit a purely defensive, pragmatic approach. The critical question: can his defensive positioning and consistency translate to the next level?
Career Statistics
| Period | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011‑2012 | Canterbury United | New Zealand | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2013‑2016 | Saint Francis (NCAA) | USA | 79 | 15 | College |
| 2014‑2016 | Michigan Bucks | USA | 32 | 2 | PDL |
| 2017 | Whitecaps FC 2 | USA | 20 | 0 | USL |
| 2017‑2018 | Canterbury United | New Zealand | 15 | 1 | — |
| 2018 | Nyköpings BIS | Sweden | 11 | 0 | — |
| 2019‑2022 | IFK Värnamo | Sweden | 97 | 5 | Consecutive promotions |
| 2023‑2024 | Eastern Suburbs | New Zealand | 40 | 7 | — |
| 2024‑ | Auckland FC | Australia | 50 | 3 | Current |
| Career Total | ~346 | ~34 | Approximate | ||
Sources: Wikipedia, Transfermarkt, FotMob. Based on available data.
International Career
| Team | Period | Caps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 2021‑ | 22 | 1 | World Cup 2026 |
Source: Wikipedia, FotMob.
Transfer Intelligence — August 2026
Agent: INSUA GROUP verified.
Physical Profile
Medical & Durability
✓ Positive Filters
- Age 31 — prime window for a defender — Defenders typically peak at 28‑33. De Vries is in his prime years.
- 7 assists in 25 A‑League appearances (4th in league) — Elite attacking output from a defender, demonstrating crossing ability and vision.
- 7.71 FotMob rating — Consistently high performance level across the season.
- 22 New Zealand caps, World Cup 2026 experience — International experience at the highest level, including appearances against Belgium, Egypt, and England.
- Versatility — LB and CB — Can play multiple positions across the backline, adding tactical flexibility.
- Members’ Player of the Season 2024‑25 — Recognised by fans for his contributions.
- Clean disciplinary record — 2 yellows, 0 reds — Disciplined and reliable.
- Contract to 2029 — long‑term commitment — Auckland FC values him as a key player.
⚠ Caution Signals
- 0/16 T3 metrics confirmed — No video validation. His defensive positioning, aerial ability, and decision‑making are assumed from stats, not verified in isolated footage.
- A‑League Men level — LOG ~2.6 — The A‑League is a competitive league but below the top European leagues. His attacking output is impressive in context, but the step up to a higher league would be significant.
- Age 31 — limited developmental runway — At 31, he is in his prime but has less time to develop and adapt than a younger player.
- Limited defensive stats available — Tackles, interceptions, and clearances data is sparse; his defensive reliability is unverified.
- Non‑EU passport — As a New Zealand national, he does not hold an EU passport, which could complicate moves to European clubs.
- No senior caps for a top‑tier nation — New Zealand is a developing football nation; international experience is valuable but not at the level of top European nations.
- Market value — €275K — Reflects his age and the level he plays at.
✗ Critical Gaps
- No T3 video assessment completed — The single biggest gap. Every metric is a guess until a scout watches him play in isolated footage.
- Defensive positioning and 1v1 ability unproven at higher level — Can he handle elite wingers in a more competitive league?
- Physical durability under higher intensity untested — The A‑League is less physically demanding than most European leagues.
- Decision‑making under pressure unverified — Can he make the right choices when facing elite attacking players?
- Work rate and pressing intensity unverified — His defensive contributions beyond assists need validation.
- Non‑EU status — May limit his appeal to European clubs.
◆ Empire FGA Verdict
FGA 6.6 — New Zealand International · Versatile Defender · A‑League Level. The T1 data reveals a 31‑year‑old defender with a strong A‑League campaign — 7 assists (4th in the league), 25 appearances, and a 7.71 FotMob rating for Auckland FC. He has 22 caps for New Zealand and featured at the 2026 World Cup. However, 0/16 T3 metrics have been validated — no video analysis has been conducted. His defensive positioning, aerial ability, and decision‑making remain unverified at the level required for a higher league. T3 validation is critical to confirm his defensive reliability and attacking contributions. Recommended for immediate monitoring with full video assessment. A solid, versatile defender at the A‑League level with international experience. For Auckland FC: a key player. For external clubs: monitor closely, consider if T3 validates defensive reliability and leadership.
T3 Priority Match Register
Priority 1 — A‑League Men Footage
LOG ~2.6. The true baseline for his professional quality in Australia. Will determine whether his defensive positioning, overlapping runs, and attacking contributions are solid against A‑League opposition.
Priority 2 — International & World Cup Footage
M3: New Zealand World Cup 2026 matches (Belgium, Egypt, England)
Supplementary but critical. These matches provide the highest level of football de Vries has played. Validates his defensive positioning, aerial ability, and leadership against elite opposition (Belgium, England). LOG ~3.7‑4.0.
Priority 3 — Full 90‑Minute Assessment
LOG ~2.6 (A‑League) or ~3.7 (International). Minimum 5 matches required for T3 validation per ESN methodology. Must include at least 2 matches where he plays 90 minutes to assess stamina, concentration, late‑game decision‑making, and defensive organisation over full duration.