Craig Goodwin’s inclusion as a train-on member of the latest Caltex Socceroos squad suggests his second stint with Adelaide United is going exactly to plan.
The classy winger has enjoyed a blistering start upon returning to the Hyundai A-League from a two-season spell with Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie.
Three goals in as many matches have dovetailed neatly with his sensational FFA Cup 2018 form. The 26-year-old scored freely during the tournament and collected the MARK VIDUKA Medal for his decisive two-goal display in the thrilling Final win over Sydney FC.
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It was the third trophy of a successful association with his hometown club, but this time there was to be no hasty departure.
Goodwin, then an emerging international prospect, jetted off to join Sparta Rotterdam less than a week after helping the Reds to their breakthrough triumph in the Hyundai A-League 2016 Grand Final.
Though he eventually grew dissatisfied with the playing time afforded at the Dutch outfit – whom he helped stave off relegation in his first season – the versatile attacker reflects positively on the experience and his own ability to make the grade.
“I was more than good enough for the standard of the league in Holland and did really well,” Goodwin, who netted six goals in 24 starts, told a-league.com.au.
“I had some amazing moments and I’ve got some great memories.
“It’s disappointing the way it ended but I look back on my time very fondly and I know I was definitely good enough for the level.”
Having become a free agent in May, the three-cap Caltex Socceroo set his sights on recapturing the sensational form that took him to Europe.
He had a clear destination in mind.
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“I felt like the best place for me to go forward and to hit my best form in my prime was at Adelaide,” the former Aurelio Vidmar Club Champion said.
“I think the league is getting stronger and stronger every year. The quality is getting better.
“It’s giving me that platform to try to achieve my dreams.
“I’m back here now looking to do more of the same, to create memories that I’ll have for the rest of my life.
“To be able to do that with the Adelaide team now would be fantastic, and hopefully that’s what we can do.”
With his name already back in the national team reckoning, Goodwin has every reason to be confident of accomplishing his ambitions.
