At a press conference on Monday, George Blackwood discussed his wondergoal and adjusting to playing as an attacking midfielder.
The 22-year-old dispatched a 25-yard screamer into the top right corner to break the deadlock as Adelaide United secured a 2-0 win over Central Coast Mariners on Friday night.
It was the versatile attacker’s fourth league goal of the season taking his overall tally to six across all competitions.
“It’s definitely the best (goal) I’ve had in the A-League,” Blackwood said to reporters.
“It was a great feeling and I knew it off the boot. I was just happy to get the win and obviously it (the goal) helped us win so I’m happy.”
Despite the three points, the Reds struggled to dictate the match on their terms prior to 15-year-old Mohamed Toure’s introduction on 77 minutes.
Blackwood revealed Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek, was not overly pleased with their display and warned they must improve against Western Sydney Wanderers this Friday.
“I think he was a little bit disappointed with the actual performance,” he said.
“It wasn’t one of our best. I think for lots of periods of the game we were sitting off a lot and we couldn’t really get any pressure on the ball.
“So we need to work on that during the week because Western Sydney are going to need to win to build momentum to get into the top six.
“So it’s going to be a tough game away from home, so we need to work on things during the week and we can definitely improve.”
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Under the Dutch tactician, Blackwood has often been utilised as an advanced midfielder, playing in behind the striker.
He said he has enjoyed learning the new position and believes it allows him to express himself a little bit more.
“It’s been good, I think I got a lot more touches on the ball,” he said.
“I can influence the game from not just scoring but in other ways as well.
“I think that plays in my hand a little bit and my strengths come out a little bit more.
“So it’s been good most of the year I think I’ve only played two or three games up front and the rest in midfield or out wide.
“I’ve liked it and Gertjan (Verbeek) talked me through everything so he’s made it easy on me too.”
Toure doubled Adelaide’s lead two minutes after Blackwood’s goal and in doing so became the youngest ever goal scorer in the history of the competition.
“Obviously his confidence is very, very high,” he continued.
“But it’s great for him and getting a lot of publicity for the Club which is good.
“And I think it can only help maybe bring more fans out.”
Adelaide United face Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 20 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Friday, 21 February at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
