Adelaide United winger Craig Goodwin has revealed he’s hoping to pursue his dream of playing overseas at season’s end.
Having played in the Hyundai A-League for the past five seasons, the 24-year-old left-footer feels the time is right to test himself abroad, with the Eredivise his preferred destination.
Goodwin, who has scored four goals this season, has been one of the most consistent contributors for the Reds this campaign as Adelaide climbed from cellar dwellers to title contenders.
“I’d love to play in Europe,” Goodwin told Fox Sports’ Shootout program.
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“I think at the end of this season I’d love to be able to go but if I stay in the A-League obviously I’ve loved my time with Adelaide and I’d love to stay and play more for the Reds.
“But I’m 24 now and I think if I don’t go in the next couple of years it’s going to be very tough for me to be able to go and try and fulfill my dream of doing that.
“I think I’d prefer to play in a country like Holland. I think my game is better suited to that kind of style.”
Goodwin is no stranger to upping his roots in order to progress his career.
When the Adelaide born flyer couldn’t break into United’s youth team as a teenager he moved to Melbourne.
There he played for PS4 NPL outfit Oakleigh Cannons before signing for Melbourne Heart (now City).
Two seasons with the Newcastle Jets followed before he returned to his hometown, where his game has flourished under Spaniards Josep Gombau then Guillermo Amor.
“I left home when I was 18 years old. I think things at the time got a bit stagnant for me and I couldn’t make the Adelaide United youth team two years in a row so I felt a change was maybe what I needed,” said Goodwin
“Going to Melbourne and learning to survive on my own and picking up a job at KFC to support myself.
“I think it’s definitely helped me grow as a footballer and as a person as well.”
Adelaide will host the Mariners this weekend before completing the regular season with road trips to Sydney FC and Melbourne City.
With the top four sides separated by just two points Goodwin believes that the Reds can not afford to drop any more points if they’re to claim the Premiership.
“I think it’s a tough one but all the top four teams have tough run-ins,” said Goodwin.
“I think if we’re to take out the Premiers Plate we have to get nine points from the next three games.
“We obviously just have to focus on each match as it comes and try and pick up all three points and then see what happens.”
