THOUGH he jokes about his broken English and difficulty acclimatising to the scorching Australian sun, for someone who’s just completed a rigorous training session in 30-degree heat, Peter Jungschlager is doing a bad job standing out from the born and bred Aussies.

The Dutchman looks like he would be comfortable in any surroundings, meeting teammates’ good-natured jibes with the same undeterred confidence he applies on the football field.

It’s this steely determination and unflappable demeanour that makes Peter such a formidable and diverse force in United’s midfield.

The 27-year-old could have had his pick of clubs this season too, turning down offers from Germany and Kazakhstan to instead move across the world to join the Hyundai A-League.

It’s certainly worked out to be a valuable signature for Gold Coast, the cool as a cucumber all-rounder is one of the most consistent and versatile performers in Miron Bleiberg’s side.

From assisting and scoring goals early in the season in his favourite midfield position, to adapting to a slightly less familiar right wing-back spot, Peter has proven he’ll tackle any challenge head on.

Playing on the Gold Coast has its benefits for the Dutchman too, aside from the obvious beautiful weather, lifestyle and beaches spiel.

What really appealed to the father of one, he explained, was the fact his family were willing and able to come along for the ride as well.

“If I chose somewhere else I would go on my own, but when I chose Australia it meant my wife and four year old son came with me,” he said.

“That’s very important to me … plus of course I think it’s good for me to have my family around.”

As he speaks about meeting his wife at a disco in Holland at 17 years old, it’s obvious just how important his family is.

Peter would have to be quite important to them too, considering how understanding they have been to his travelling lifestyle.

During the last seven years of his professional career he has already moved around to play with five different clubs.

Playing with different clubs in Holland wasn’t that big a deal though he insists, considering it’s a leisurely 90 or so minute drive from the east to the west side of the country.

One significant difference of course, is the level at which Peter played with each club.

At the age of 20, the promising youngster signed his first professional contract with ADO Den Haag in the highest level of competition; no mean feat in a football-mad nation.

“In Holland it’s rare when you’re only 20 to have a chance in the highest league, and it’s difficult,” he said.

“Most players try to make it good in the lower league, then maybe the clubs will see you play and think ‘oh, he’s good’ and you’ll have your chance in the higher league.”

So that is why, after gaining the invaluable experience of playing at such a high level for a year, Peter opted to play with Roosendaal in a lower league, his aim being to improve his game and work his way back to the top.

It did the trick; after a year and a half there the Jungschlager did a six-month stint with VVV-Venlo and continued his success with two years at De Graafschap in the Eredivisie.

All the while, Peter did what he does best; playing with a level of consistency and determination so necessary if a successful sporting career is to be achieved.

It was this style of play that earned him the title of the most underrated player in the Netherlands in the 2010/11 season.

As usual, Peter had the same modest take on the whole thing.

“I just play normally, but I guess you see some guys in the media and I’m not really like that,” he said.

“I’m a normal guy and I do my job … I get out there and I do what I love, play football … and I guess that’s why they said I’m underrated.”