After impressing in his senior debut for Adelaide United, Taras Gomulka is targeting more playing time before the end of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
The 18-year-old cut a composed figure on the ball in midfield against Brisbane Roar where he played 72 minutes.
Interim boss, Carl Veart, had previously coached Gomulka while at the NTC a few years ago.
Gomulka explained he was told he would be a starter during a video analysis session two days before the match.
“I think it was Thursday at training,” Gomulka recalled to AUFC Media.
“We had a video analysis on Brisbane Roar and during that analysis Carl named me in the starting eleven as a six.
“So I was pretty excited and looking forward to it.”
Gomulka admitted he was slightly apprehensive before kick-off but his nerves quickly abated once the referee’s whistle blew.
“I was very nervous at the start,” the youngster said after becoming the seventh local product to receive his Reds debut this campaign.
“After the warm-up though, felt good. Got the nerves out and once I got the first touch in the real game, I felt good and ready to go.”
What followed was an assured display in the centre of the park no less. Gomulka was tidy in possession, completing 89% of his 28 passes.
He also made a successful tackle, one interception and a solitary clearance.
Congratulations again to former @NE_MetroStars junior Taras Gomulka, making his #AUFC and @ALeague debut tonight! 👏#BRIvADL pic.twitter.com/bAGBNmufw5
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) July 19, 2020
“I thought my performance was quite good on the weekend,” he believed.
“I enjoyed it and a great experience for me. I still have a lot to show for the rest of fans.
“I’m a ball playing six (defensive midfielder), I like to get on the ball and I like to control the midfield as much as I can.”
The aim now for the ex-MetroStars, Raiders, Adelaide City and NTC junior is to get as many minutes as possible, whilst continuing to learn off the experienced players in the team.
“I was first excited to make the hub team,” he said.
“And now for me personally just see how many minutes I can get under my belt.
“Try and see if I can start a few more games maybe and just gain experience off the older boys.
“The older boys are good, taking me under their arm. Especially Riley McGree and Stefan Mauk, they’re showing me what to do and how to play and I’m really enjoying it.”
Having begun the restart with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brisbane, Gomulka was convinced a finals berth will be attainable if they show the same determination and discipline in the remaining four games.
“I’m confident we can push for finals football this year,” he affirmed.
“As we saw against Brisbane, kept a clean sheet, showed fight, showed hunger – hungry not to concede goals.
“And I reckon if we keep that up we’re a good shout for the championship.”
Adelaide United face Wellington Phoenix in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday 25 July at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the MyFootball Live App.
