He was a player who was thrilling to watch when on form.
A fleet-footed winger with mercurial skills, the red-clad menace terrorised opposing defences.
Yet, for all that, Craig Goodwin had a frustrating tendency to blow hot and cold.
After near heroic peroformances in the FFA Cup, he then became indifferent as the A-League campaign wore on.
He often made little impact in games and gave the ball away cheaply, which is surprising given his European pedigree.
(AAP Image/David Mariuz)
That’s why, despite his obvious talent, the imminent sale of Goodwin to Saudi Club Al-Wehda represents good business for the club.
Furthermore, Goodwin’s departure frees up space for others to shine. There are able replacements in the squad, with players like Ryan Kitto, Ben Halloran and Nikola Mileusnic all able to play Goodwin’s vacant position.
Kitto and Mileusnic, in particular, would benefit from more game time, given that they were often in and out of the side under Marco Kurz last season.
This is not to mention the cadre of youth that could take advantage of the gap with a breakthrough to the senior squad.
The likes of Carlo Armiento and Pacifique Niyongabire are promising, but potential unfulfilled is potential wasted.
Goodwin’s departure represents a chance for them to make a mark on the senior squad. Armiento, in particular, might be in for a breakout campaign under new gaffer Gertjan Verbeek this season, with his aptitude for A-League football unquestionable after that memorable assist on his debut in the season just passed.
All in all, Goodwin’s sale generates a healthy influx of cash, gives deserving players more game time and gives an opportunity to the youth of Adelaide.
What’s not to like?
Will
Guest
Keen to see what Lachlan Brook might do, I heard his a talented No.10 who has a gun left foot. Only 18 as well. However for the problems not having Goodwin, Isiais is a bigger loss and not having a No.9 will cause them headaches.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
Yeah Goodwin was both hot and cold but he would certainly be in my starting XI of the Team of the Season. Personally, I felt he was better than both Ikonomidis and Castro due to how he carried United to finishing 4th and finishing with the most assists in the league. He should have been Adelaide's player of the season and probably Australia's first choice left winger (until Arzani or Ikonomidis returns). Kitto is now a left-back and Halloran only scored two goals. Now nobody can do the damage in the final third except for Mileusnic, Blackwood or McGree. And the defence doesn't have enough depth either.
Schoolie
Roar Rookie
An reasonably self explanatory article by someone who obviously then has to justify his written word? Surely the article speaks for itself, you don't have to justify its content!
Chen Yang
Roar Pro
also id argue that it was not so much the cross itself...any half decent winger can do in training. but armiento was being pressed bu the roar defence but yet had the vision to try it and the skill to pull it off, on his debut too
Chen Yang
Roar Pro
arzani did little else in the first half of 17/18 as well...looked how that turned out:)
Chen Yang
Roar Pro
Iirc there was a buyout clause invoked
Franko
Guest
Armiento has had one good cross (against Brisbane) and has done little else, albeit with little exposure. (He looks more Kostopoulos than Mabil right now). Pacifique is certainly a bright prospect. Goodwin was sold for $500k with two years to run on his contract. A solid year this year maybe breaking in to Socceroos and I'd argue that could be $750k and a Euro league. The side need to produce youth but also be competitive. As Fadida points out, these are the kinds of players A-League clubs need to hang on to.
Chen Yang
Roar Pro
Disagree. Stats dont show the full picture, and his was boosted by his taking of dead balls like free kicks. Armiento, for example is a better option. Not in a head to head, obviously, but in terms of potential for growth as well as resale value
Chen Yang
Roar Pro
He is held to a higher standard because of his pedigree and higher wages.
Fadida
Roar Rookie
Agree Franko. He's the type of player we need to keep. Not good enough for the better leagues but a very good (and cheapish) A-league player. These are the players we need to lift the cap to keep
Fadida
Roar Rookie
I'm surprised you haven't suggests United recruit Keogh and Chianese as replacements!!! Missed a chance to unload them Cheng, not like you :)
Franko
Guest
10 goals and 9 assists in 27 A-League games last year tells us that he was pretty influential. Given Kurz played him inside on a number of occasions, he actually had a really good year. He's just held to a higher standard than say Mileusnic, who is fast but regularly misses sitters. Isaias sale, fair enough. This one is bad, bad for Craig (27 and joining the oil leagues???) and bad for United.