Bradford City’s George Goodman on facing young Italian star
George Goodman signed a one-year professional contract with City with the intention of experiencing first-team play this season.
One of the most promising young players in European football, however, has played alongside the 18-year-old.
After making his debut in Italy’s elite division at the age of 15, the youngest in the competition’s history, AC Milan wonder kid Francesco Camarda has left his imprint.
When Camarda scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Italy in last year’s under-19 Euros finals, Goodman was squarely up against him.
However, it demonstrated to the Bantams defender how far he has come since joining the club’s development center at the age of seven.
“He got the better of me but being able to compete against him was a massive confidence boost. You want to be on stages like that more often,” Goodman said.
“I will never forget the thrill of playing against some of the top players in Europe in that way.
“You’re on the same field as these incredible talents. You gain confidence and the hope that you might one day reach that point when you are able to compete and give it your all.
“You believe it’s a million miles away when you’re younger. But that’s the journey—playing against someone like that and competing.
“You’ve done the right things to get here, and hopefully I can help you go even farther.”
Goodman is naturally pleased of the fact that so few young players make it through the City system.
“I’ve completed the entire process and have the best outcome conceivable.
Along the way, I’ve had a wide variety of teammates and met a lot of people. For me, it’s unique to be among the select few who have done it from the beginning, and landing a professional contract is undoubtedly the apex.
“Head of coaching Ryan Farrell was one of my first coaches at the club. To have done that journey with him the whole way through, knowing that he’s watched me grow, also makes it feel nice.
You develop a rapport with these coaches, and it’s comforting to know that you have their trust. There are people nearby who know you and are prepared to support you as a football player, so you don’t have to start over every year with a new individual.
The leadership team at City is familiar with Goodman. A week after receiving an international call-up, Mark Hughes brought him into training for the first time in September 2023.
I had only been a scholar for a few months when I first started. Suddenly training with the first team was a weird experience.
“When Kevin McDonald was in charge, I also did a little bit.”
It likely took a few sessions for me to open up, start asking the experts in my roles about things, and develop a stronger personality in that setting.
“I worked with Sam Stubbs for a little while during that first year, and I’ve tried to learn from and get along with Neill Byrne.
“You want to go where they’re going because they have successful careers. They can impart to you the knowledge they have gained from the people they have interacted with.
Goodman, who is eligible for Northern Ireland due to his mother’s side of the family, has already discussed moving up to the next level with Tommy Wright, the under-21 manager.
However, his first goal since entering the professional ranks is to play regular men’s football.
He went on, “It’s something to build on.” “I will undoubtedly launch a strong offensive and get rolling this season.
“I’m hoping for some game time. Playing for the team is always the aim, but if that doesn’t work out, I’ll try my hardest to play men’s football.
“Whether it’s on loan or hopefully I can push to make my debut for Bradford, I want to get that taste of it.”
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