Craig Goodwin (Sparta Rotterdam - Eredivisie)
The 25-year-old Adelaide-born winger scored the winner in Rotterdam’s 1-0 win over FC Twente at the weekend.
Last season, Goodwin started 27 matches - scoring four goals and producing six assists - and his recent recovery from shin splints has seen him start in three out of four matches this campaign.
After a stellar outing with Adelaide United in 2015-16, Goodwin was reportedly courted by a range of Chinese Super League suitors but chose to pursue his European dream in favour of staying on Ange Postecoglou’s radar.
The versatile left-footer has been deployed as either a winger or left-back under coach Alex Pastoor and deserves an opportunity to impress in a position that has proved to be problematic for the Socceroos.
Brad Jones (Feyenoord Rotterdam - Eredivisie)
The omission of Brad Jones in recent Socceroos squads continues to perplex the eagle-eyed football community with rumours swirling that there is underlying tension between the 35-year-old and Postecoglou.
Featuring between the sticks in 32 matches last season, the club’s number one goalkeeper was instrumental in Feyenoord being crowned 2016-17 Eredivisie champions and saw him play in six UEFA Europa League matches.
Copping four goals at home to Manchester City in the Champions League this week would have stung but the experience Jones has accumulated during his tenure in Europe forms a compelling argument for why he should be called up to the Australian squad.
The last time he donned the green and gold was back in 2014 - for a friendly against Ecuador - and the longer he is left out, the longer Postecoglou’s theory that he wants to select players who are getting game time stands to be tested.
Connor Chapman (Incheon United FC - Korean K-League Classic)
After two-and-a-half years and 35 A-League matches with Melbourne City, the 22-year-old Chapman departed for South Korea during the 2017 January transfer window on a two-year deal.
Since then, he’s played 19 matches for the side and found the back of the net twice.
A promising young talent, Chapman has represented Australia at Under-17, U-20 and U-23 youth levels and is complimented by his versatility in a variety of positions, whether it’s centre-back, full-back or in a defensive midfield role.
Privately, coaching staff have praised his distribution, positional awareness and his communication skills, which have seen him named in the K-League team of the week three times.
Interest continues to grow around him with bigger clubs in both Korea and Japan circling.
