Gold Coast United goalkeeper Scott Higgins has praised the performance of central defender Bas van den Brink. The relatively unknown Dutchman was brilliant in defence in United's first A-League clash, a 3-1 win over Brisbane Roar, prompting Higgins to sing his praises.

"Bas has been solid the whole pre-season and again on Saturday night he was solid and commanding and he just gets himself in the right areas," Higgins said.

"He's a very smart footballer and thankfully for me he got himself in a perfect position when I had a bit of a howler and kicked it into their striker and lucky enough Bas was there.

"Come the end of the season, I'll probably owe him a few beers.

"He's come here an unknown and has been a real standout for us," added Higgins.