George Blackwood predicts Adelaide United will be a very attacking side under Gertjan Verbeek this season and based on the team’s first two FFA Cup matches it is hard to argue.
The Reds have scored a combined eight goals in their first two competitive games of the 2019/20 season, and have noticeably shifted to a more expansive style under the Dutchman.
Blackwood said Verbeek’s style is starting to take shape but insists it remains a work in progress before the Reds are firing on all cylinders.
“It’s going well, the boys are doing well and we’re slowly adapting to the new style the coach has brought in which is good,” the 22-year-old said.
“And the boys are starting to gel a little bit more and things are going well.
“We got the win so we’re through to the next round of the FFA Cup and that’s always a positive to have competitive games in pre-season too.”
Adelaide await their quarter final opponent following the conclusion of Wednesday night’s remaining Round of 16 matches.
The striker expects himself and his fellow teammates to benefit from playing in a system that is predicated on attacking principles.
He further added that he will likely have more freedom in advanced areas in and around the 18-yard box as well.
“I think this year it’s going to be a lot more attacking and we’re going to throw probably a few more bodies forward,” he believed.
“And I feel like we’ll create a lot more chances to score than we have in recent memory.
“It’s good for someone like me. It gives me a little more freedom instead of sort of staying in my position, I can rotate with other players in different positions and make forward runs.
“So it’s all positive and I’m obviously learning more and more of how he wants me to play and I’m just trying to do my best.”
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After returning from a minor hamstring strain to score the winner from the spot against Olympic FC, Blackwood is determined to stay injury free for the rest of pre-season.
Despite only being on for a short period of time Blackwood said he had no hesitation about taking the penalty, which he expertly converted.
“There’s always nerves taking a penalty no matter what the stakes are,” he claimed.
“But I’m always confident I’m going to score from the penalty spot and I’m confident I’m going to score in the game as well.
“So it was just one of those things, I knew I wanted to take it and it went in, so it was all smiles.
“The team looked a lot better than the Melbourne Knights game so we’re pushing on.”
Blackwood also registered his 50th appearance as an Adelaide player against the Queensland outfit and said he is looking forward to creating more memorable moments in the future.
“It’s been great since I’ve got here,” he said.
“The whole Club has really welcomed me and all the boys are great.
“I’ve got friends that I have for life and it’s been amazing. Obviously, there’s a few moments that stick out, goals that I’ve scored and stuff like that.
“But I’m looking in the future now, I don’t want to reminisce too much I want to do well this year and push on from that and really looking to have a big season.”
