Five new players joined Adelaide United during the 2014-15 A-League season and Outside90 has its say by ranking the best and worst signings for the Reds.
- Miguel Palanca
The former Real Madrid man came to the club halfway through the season from Spain with an impressive pedigree, but failed to live up to his billing. Making his debut for Los Blancos against arch-rival Barcelona in 2008, Palanca looked out of place under coach Josep Gombau, despite a resume boasting the likes of Espanyol, Elche and indeed Madrid. From the outset, the 27-year-old struggled to convince the United faithful following a string of underwhelming performances, with his solitary goal coming in a 4-1 rout of Melbournce City on the final day of the season. Consequently, it comes as no surprise he is ranked the worst acquisition by the Reds, justified by the club’s decision not to offer the once-Numancia winger a contract to remain in South Australia.
- Dylan McGowan
While it may seem a little harsh for the 23-year-old to be ranked as low as fourth, McGowan’s position was based on the fact that others had a greater impact. The former Hearts defender provided adequate cover during Osama Malik’s absence and could also operate as a right-back on the rare occasion. A crucial 90th minute equaliser against Wellington Phoenix back in November was one of his highlights and the determination to get his body in the way of shots, protecting gloveman Eugene Galekovic. Perhaps he is still not ready to be one of the centre-backs to partner stalwart Malik, given the Reds need to look at bringing in a high-profile defender to supersede Nigel Boogaard.
- Craig Goodwin
A local boy from Adelaide, Goodwin has already endeared himself to the United fans. After joining from the Newcastle Jets, Goodwin has taken his game to a whole new level and is probably unlucky to be third and not second behind the list of best additions. The 23-year-old is a versatile footballer who can occupy any position down the left-hand side. Six goals in all competitions including two in the finals series rounded a wonderful first season for the dynamic man and more will no doubt be expected of him, due to how much Gombau values him as an integral player to the team.
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- James Jeggo
Despite playing over 30 games for the Melbourne Victory, it was not until his switch to fierce rival Adelaide where the 23-year-old established himself as a first team regular. The youngster was surprisingly voted as the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award at the end-of-season A-League awards night. However, he certainly grew as the campaign ensued, with his passing game suiting the possession-based tactics instilled by the Spanish tactician. While Jeggo was effective, one area he will want to improve on is his goal-scoring exploits. The Austrian-born midfielder scored just the one goal, laying on a further two assists in 26 league appearances. If he can enhance this aspect of his game he could potentially be one of the best attacking midfielders in the competition.
- Pablo Sanchez
Not too many could argue with this decision as Adelaide United’s most productive signing. At 31, when he agreed to put pen to paper with the Reds, question marks were raised about whether Sanchez was required. Those concerns only increased as Sanchez found it difficult to break into the starting XI. Three goals in the first half of the campaign had many fans sceptical of his role in the team. But following the Asian Cup break, the striker-come-winger grabbed five goals to finish as the club’s top goalscorer in the league with eight strikes. A rather prolific return as his season got better and better. An extended run in the side, by playing more consecutive matches would have helped the former Recreativo forward be that little bit more consistent. Nevertheless, his ample return saw him rewarded with a one-year contract extension with the Reds and was arguably Adelaide’s most astute piece of transfer business.
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