The 24-year-old has made a near perfect start to life in Holland after featuring in Sparta Rotterdam’s opening four league fixtures. Coming off the bench against Dutch legends Ajax, the Socceroo went on to feature in the top team against PC Zwolle and bagged a goal. Appearances against Go Ahead Eagles and FC Twente followed.

And while his European career may be young, the former Red says he is closer to playing at the highest level

“I have reached the next stage making the jump from the A-League to Europe,” he said. “But for every footballer there is always another goal in sight and for me it was about getting to Europe. Now the goal is to get a starting position week in week out and be an integral member of the team and then to make Socceroos.

“Then from here to it's to try and progress into an even better competition as the Eredivisie such as English Premier League or the Bundesliga. But to be able to do any of that I’ve got to focus on what I’m doing here.”

“It’s always the goal when you come to a new club that you want to be starting and you want to have a great impact for the team and do your bit. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to get my first start so soon, but it’s about building on that and continue to work hard and to do well.”

Sparta Rotterdam has made a decent start in Holland’s top flight with two wins and two losses. The newly promoted side lie mid-table in eighth spot.

And while avoiding relegation is the main aim, Goodwin says the club's has greater ambitions.

“Obviously first and foremost our goal is stay in the top division,” he said. “Something that I’ve noticed since I’ve come here is that the coach really like us to be well structured defensively, especially when we are versing very good opposition and try to hit on the counter at times. We certainly did that to great affect against PEC Zwolle and I managed to get on the scoresheet myself which was a really good feeling.

‘We have a big squad here and we have some really good players and the message to me has always been to adapt to the style and learn the system.

“But for us as a team it’s just about taking it game by game and trying to pick up the three points in every match we play. Staying up is the main goal but from there the goal is to finish as high as we possibly can.”