After six years learning his trade and growing as a player over in the Netherlands, Olyroo Daniel Bouman has returned to Australia in search of first team football.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder moved back to Australia in early 2020 as his contract with SC Cambuur finished and Covid began spreading across Europe.
“I was in the Netherlands and I wasn’t playing much for my club over there”
“So, I was looking for something new, something where I could help my football career by playing games”
Several A-league clubs approached Bouman, but it was the Central Coast Mariners who were able to convince him to join their squad.
“I always had good and strong memories of the Mariners and how they give young players a chance and that was definitely one of the reasons why I thought it was a good move.”
“I had a few chats with Staj and they all went really well. We talked about fitting me into the team’s playing style.”
Bouman’s goal is to play as many games as possible this season and continuing to improve as a player.
“One thing I want to work on is my explosivity, those first five metres. I’m working with the strength and conditioning coach in order to improve that.”
The Olyroo can play attacking midfielder or as a second striker, versatility that could come in handy during the season.
“I’m known as playing as a second striker for the Olyroos but at club level I prefer to play as a number 10.”
“During pre-season I played most of the games as a number 10 but filled in at striker when needed.”
Bouman helped the Olyroos qualify for the Olympics and he knows that in order to make that Olympic team he will need to be succeeding on the pitch.
“If I want to give myself the best possible chance of being selected then I need to be performing and playing well.”
“Even though the Olyroos are in the back of my mind, my first focus is performing at the Mariners”
Bouman has already made an impression on the field by setting up Jordan Smylie for the second goal in the Mariners 2-0 win over Macarthur FC in round two.
Featured image credit: Central Coast Mariners
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