Dutch star Engelaar signed by Heart is just what Aloisi wanted Heart boost - Dutch signing Engelaar is just what coach John Aloisi needs. Photo Wayne Ludbey. MELBOURNE Heart has signed former Netherlands international Orlando Engelaar for the upcoming season. The deal has not yet been formally announced, but the Herald Sun understands Heart agreed to terms with the central midfielder's management in the past 24 hours. To sign a player of Engelaar's quality is a huge boost for the club's finals chances. The 33-year-old is exactly the type of player John Aloisi and his coaching staff have been looking for this winter. Engelaar has played for some giants of European football and has also played 14 games for Holland, including four in the country's starting side at euro 2008. He started his career at Dutch side NAC Breda in 2000, moved to Belgium where he played two seasons at Racing Genk, went back to Holland for two years with FC Twente, and then spent a season with seven-time Bundesliga champions FC Schalke. His past four seasons have been spent in the Netherlands with European Champions League side PSV Eindhoven. After being released at the end of last season he trialled with English Premier League club West Ham. Standing at 196cm, Engelaar's physical presence will also be felt by opposition sides. The signing continues the Dutch influence at Heart, which has been strong since John van 't Schip took charge as coach in the club's inaugural season. He also joins countryman Rob Wielaert, an experienced centre back. The two were teammates at FC Twente between 2006-08 at a time when Wielaert was the club's captain. Heart now has just two spots left to fill on its roster for the upcoming season - one for an international player, the other for an Australian. Its season kicks off against cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on October 12.