Adelaide United star Craig Goodwin would answer captaincy call from Gertjan Verbeek
Why Craig Goodwin says Adelaide United’s captaincy would be dream come true as the Reds set to begin FFA Cup title defence.
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A European return remains on Craig Goodwin’s radar but captaining Adelaide United this season would provide instant gratification for the Socceroo.
Isaias’s departure leaves a massive void at Hindmarsh as a leader, four-time club champion and midfield conductor. Goodwin can fill the breach as skipper in what would be a dream come true for the lifelong Reds’ diehard.
“Growing up and being an Adelaide fan, if it was me I would be ecstatic,” said Goodwin as United reported for duty under new coach Gertjan Verbeek.
“ I would do it to the best of my ability.”
Central defender Jordan Elsey was groomed as a leader under former boss Marco Kurz while veteran Michael Jakobsen captained Melbourne City.
“It is up to the coach and who he sees in the training sessions from now until when he decides he wants to appoint it,” noted Goodwin.
“We have lost Isaias and that is something we need to replace because he was four times the club champion and ever present in our midfield and our captain.”
Goodwin lit up the A-League on return from Sparta Rotterdam with 10 goals in 29 games. The winger’s five FFA Cup goals including a double in the final against Sydney FC secured a second knock-out trophy for the Reds last season.
A starting Socceroos slot under Graham Arnold in a 1-0 loss to Korea before 52,000 fans at Busan Asiad Stadium this month underscored the winger’s market value.
“He was really happy with the team and myself,” said Goodwin of Arnold.
“Against a full strength Korean team, it was as tough game.
“I am contracted at Adelaide and have made it known I would like to go back overseas at some point. I don’t know when that will be but for now I am at Adelaide and my full focus is preparing for Adelaide next season.”
On the day Kurz was unveiled as Melbourne Victory coach, successor Verbeek controlled his maiden training in unseasonably warm conditions at Elizabeth.
Buying into the Dutchman’s vision from the outset is essential — as the Reds did under Kurz insists Goodwin.
“He’s a new coach and will bring in and implement his own things. As a playing group it is about getting on board what he is trying install in the team,” said Goodwin.
“I look forward to working with him and think he is going to be really good for our team.”
Goodwin will always respect the discipline and belief Kurz installed at Hindmarsh but forecast an emotion charged derby against Victory next season.
“It will add a little incentive to the rivalry match. I wish him good luck, he did really well for us here. He is on the other side now so will be the enemy when we face him,” said Goodwin.
Goodwin credited the momentum gained from Adelaide’s FFA Cup final triumph for an impressive 2018-19 season that ended with a penalty shoot-out, semi-final loss to Perth Glory. Adelaide starts its FFA Cup defence in the round of 32 against former NSL powerhouse Melbourne Knights.
“It starts with mounting a Cup defence. It is a trophy regardless if you start in pre-season. We won it last year and it is something the club and players that played are never going to forget,” said Goodwin.
“For us it is putting the hard yards for the first term of the pre-season and preparing for that game against Melbourne Knights. “
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