Vancouver Whitecaps defender Alain Rochat has been praised by players and management at the MLS expansion franchise.

The 27-year old left-back has had an extensive career in Switzerland with the likes of Young Boys of Berne and FC Zurich along with a stint at French club Rennes and is certain to be a strong signing for the Whitecaps if coach Teitur Thordarson's comments are anything to go by.

"He is a presence on the field," Thordarson told The Province. "He doesn't stress. He goes about his business with quality. You can see that he's been on a good level."

Fellow defender Wes Knight was one player who was blown away by Rochat's talents.

"He's a sick player," said Knight. "I'm watching and learning, marvelling really at everything he does. He's outstanding.

"How he opens his body up and sets his first touch into play, that's what I need most. I can run by players and overlap all I want, but if I can't be effective with the first touch like he is then I'm nothing."