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- Jill Scott | On Her Side
Back Jill Scott Club Everton (loan) [Manchester City] Position Midfielder D.O.B 02/02/1987 Bio Lionesses and Manchester City veteran Scott has been placed in just about every situation. Spirited, persevering with a fine passing skillset and a stamina that rivals those ten years her junior, Scott has remained integral to any side she plays in. Scott’s time loaned out to Everton this season certainly did the trick in keeping her fresh in the mind as the familiar midfielder heavily impressed once again. Girls on the Ball C4
- Ellie Brazil suffers knee injury | On Her Side
The Seagulls star will be out for the rest of the season Back Ellie Brazil suffers knee injury The Seagulls star will be out for the rest of the season Brighton and Hove Albion 7 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed that striker Ellie Brazil will remain on the sidelines for the rest of the season. The 23-year-old suffered a meniscus tear in her right knee whilst on international duty with Lionesses U-23s. The club have stated that Brazil is due to undergo surgery with an expected recovery period of 6-12 weeks. News
- Vinberg pokes home first Spurs goal | Match Report
Matilda Vinberg’s early goal was enough as Spurs edged out Leicester City in a largely forgettable encounter in E10 Back Match Report Vinberg pokes home first Spurs goal Matilda Vinberg’s early goal was enough as Spurs edged out Leicester City in a largely forgettable encounter in E10 Spurs Women 17 March 2024 By Finley Chung Spurs boss, Robert Vilahamn made two changes from his side that historically beat Manchester City last weekend, with Drew Spence and Matilda Vinberg came in for Olga Ahitnen and the injured Martha Thomas, who sustained a hamstring injury in training this week. As for Leicester, Lena Petermann and Yuka Momiki came into the side, in place of Courtney Nevin and Emilla Pelgander. Spurs flew out the traps early on and after Becky Spencer collected a deep free kick from Leicester, she released a stunning sidewinding goal kick into the path of Celin Bizet, who knocked it onto the path of Drew Spence, then onto Jess Naz who curled a stunning ball round a stretched Leicester defence into the path of Matilda Vinberg who got there before the Leicester goalkeeper to tap the ball home and give Spurs their earliest lead of the season. As quickly as Spurs went ahead, they nearly caught themselves napping at the other end but Luana Buhler was able to get round on the cover to deny Leicester a shot at goal. Grace Clinton then picked up the ball in a dangerous position and lashed a left footed effort wide of Lize Kop’s left hand post. It was then almost an unbekliveble goal from Tottenham’s Drew Spence, who linked up brilliantly with Naz and sent a dipping effort towards the goal, but Kop was able to tip the ball onto the crossbar and the visitors were able to smuggle the ball away. Spence was once again at the heart of proceedings for Spurs, nicking the ball high up and feeding Vinberg, who elected to cut back onto her left foot, before seeing her effort blocked, with the Jamaican Spence, unable to latch onto the rebound. The visitors then had their first effort on target just after the 15 minute mark, with Sadri Takarada latching onto a loose ball but her effort flew harmlessly into the gloves of Becky Spencer in the Spurs goal. The Foxes then put together another quick attack, with Jutta Rantala teeing up the returning Petermann, but the latter’s effort lacked conviction and was an easy save for Spencer. Amanda Nilden then had to be well positioned in the right place at the back post as the ball came across to Petermann, but the Swede was extremely well placed to clear the danger. Yuka Momiki was next to line up a Leicester effort, but her shot was charged down by a melee of Spurs bodies. Spurs then once again won the ball high as they pressed for a second, with Jess Naz winning it high this time and feeding Celin Bizet, who’s first touch let her down and Leicester put the ball behind for a corner, which came to nothing. Leicester then worked a good opportunity down the Spurs right again, with the ball finding Momiki in acres of space, but her effort was pushed wide of the goal by Spencer. Petermann then had another chance for The Foxes, but her effort was well blocked by the attentive Buhler after the ball fell to her in the box. Spurs still had the slender one goal lead and Celin Bizet did her best to improve that just before half time, but her effort went wide of Kop’s left hand post. Aileen Whelan had Leicester’s final chance of a half that they had finished strongly, striding forward and seeing her effort saved by Becky Spencer, who then pulled off a stunning second save to deny Petermann in the final action of the half. Half Time - Spurs 1-0 Leicester Robert Vilahamn did make a change to his side at the break, bringing off the impressive Drew Spence, replacing her with Kit Graham. Another two changes for Spurs, seeing Celin Bizet and Matilda Vinberg re4placed by Rosella Ayanne and Beth England in the 53rd minute, with this change seeing the Moroccan clock up 100 appearances for Spurs. Leicester were probing again, and Jutta Rantala found herself in behind Ashleigh Neville and crashed an effort off the inside of the post which bounced fortunately to safety for Spurs, with Spencer beaten. Bethany England then found herself in space down the left hand channel charging towards the Leicester box, she cut inside and then tried a clever reverse effort back across the keeper, but Kop was able to get two good hands behind the ball. Leicester then rolled the dice for the first time, bringing off Lena Petermann for Deanne Rose, whilst Spurs withdrew Grace Clinton for Romana Petzelberger. There were then two more Leicester changes, as Josie Green and Emilia Pelgander replaced Julie Thibauld and the impressive, Yuka Momikl. Vilahamn then made his fifth and final change, with Evelina Summanen being replaced by Olga Ahtinen. Leicester found themselves with a free kick in a promising position, but Rantala drilled her effort straight at the Spurs wall and with time ticking down, you felt that it might’ve been Leicester’s best chance. In the aftermath of the free kick, Courtney Nevin replaced Janice Cayman. Spurs were denied a second near the end by some miraculous Leicester defending, with Bentany England’s right footed effort saved well, before Rosella Ayanne couldn’t mark appearance number 100 with a goal as her effort was superbly blocked by a number off Leicester bodies. Jess Naz had showed her excellence and value to Spurs all afternoon, but none more so than winning the ball in her own half and running more than 50 yards before drawing a foul near the corner to allow Spurs to breathe, just as the board went up for five added minutes. The hosts thought they had sewn up the points after Petzelberger played through England who slotted home, but the Spurs captain was adjudged to be offside and the celebrations were cut short. A chorus of cheers greeted the referee’s full time whistle, which saw Spurs secure their first three points since the end of January and move them onto 22 points thanks to Matilda Vinberg’s first goal for the club. Full Time - Spurs 1-0 Leicester City Spurs = Vinberg 2’.
- Eni Aluko inducted into WSL Hall of Fame | On Her Side
England centurion Eniola Aluko is the newest inductee into the 2022 Women's Super League Hall of Fame Back Eni Aluko inducted into WSL Hall of Fame England centurion Eniola Aluko is the newest inductee into the 2022 Women's Super League Hall of Fame 27 October 2022 FA Media Release Following the induction of Karen Carney MBE into the Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame, The FA and lead partner Barclays are delighted to announce Eniola Aluko as the second inductee of 2022. Aluko’s successes at both club and international level speak for themselves, and she has been recognised for her achievements during a spell of over six years in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Aluko is also a fine example of an individual who took the dual career route during her playing days, earning a degree in Law while continuing to represent both club and country. She began her career at Birmingham City before spells at Charlton Athletic and Chelsea. Like a number of England internationals, a stint in the United States followed just before the formation of the Barclays WSL, when she returned home in 2012 to play again for Birmingham City. It was here she won the Vitality Women’s FA Cup following a penalty shootout win over Chelsea. The most successful period in her career came when she moved to Chelsea for her second spell at the club at the end of 2012. During this time, she won two Barclays WSL titles, two Vitality Women’s FA Cups, and was awarded Chelsea’s Player of the Year in 2015. Her form also saw her selected onto the PFA’s Women’s Super League Team of the Year in 2015 and 2017. She departed the club in 2018 and left as the club’s top scorer with 68 goals. Playing over 100 times for her country in multiple World Cups and European Championships, the former Lioness finished her career at Juventus before announcing her retirement in January 2020. The next step in her career would see her move to the United States to take up a Sporting Director role with Angel City FC. Alongside this role, she has continued as a pundit on ITV and Amazon Prime, working on both the men’s and women’s game. Aluko’s induction was confirmed by the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame selection panel, which features prominent former players, coaches and an official from the women’s game, as well as journalists and members of FA staff. Jess Creighton, Broadcaster and Barclays WSL Hall of Fame panel member , said: “ Eni Aluko is a thoroughly deserving Barclays WSL Hall of Fame inductee. “As a player she set exceptionally high standards and was a key part of the growth in quality and popularity of the Barclays WSL. In a career full of goals and major trophies, Eni also broke down many barriers along the way. “It's great to see her trailblazing contribution recognised as she continues to utilise her wealth of knowledge of the game as a broadcaster and administrator.” One more individual is to be inducted into the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame this afternoon, with extended interviews available to watch on Sky Sports’ ‘Inside the WSL’ show tonight at 6.30pm on Sky Sports Football. News
- Ellie Roebuck | On Her Side
This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Back Ellie Roebuck Club Manchester City Position Goalkeeper D.O.B 23/09/1999 Bio At just 21, Roebuck is bold yet sensible in her decisions and clear with outward communication. Roebuck has kept thirteen clean sheets this season across all competitions alluding to her smart and sharp positioning between the posts. Simply, the Manchester City keeper remains as one of the finest in the domestic league, and with her growing international experience, Roebuck should be the number one pick. via Getty Images A1
- Seven new Lilywhites as Spurs strengthen | On Her Side
The rundown on Spurs' transfer window detailing their seven new signings. Back Seven new Lilywhites as Spurs strengthen The rundown on Spurs' transfer window detailing their seven new signings. Girls on the Ball 7 September 2022 By Finley Chung The meteoric rise of Tottenham Hotspur Women in the women’s game has been nothing short of amazing. Since their historic promotion to the WSL in 2019, the club has gone from strength to strength. In their latest season, the club finished in 5th place of the Barclays Women’s Super League, sealing the clubs highest ever league placing in the women’s football pyramid. With the club looking to build on a strong campaign last term, Spurs have moved stadium for the upcoming season, announcing that they will play their home matches at Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road, bringing to an end their 3-year residency at Barnet’s ‘The Hive’ stadium. The playing squad is also something that has been moved around ahead of this season with plenty of incomings and outgoings, most notably Rachel Williams, Angela Addison and Josie Green are the players leaving for pastures new with the latter bringing an end to a six-year spell with the club. However, as alluded to in the title, plenty of new faces have come through the door at Hotspur Way this summer for Rehanne Skinner and her team, giving all areas of the squad some much needed depth. New signing Drew Spence Photo: Girls on the Ball Jamaican international Drew Spence was the first through the training ground doors as the midfielder brought an end her glittering 14-year stay with Chelsea. Since starting out with the West London outfit in 2009, Spence made 238 appearances, scored 50 goals and left Emma Hayes’ side as the clubs longest serving player. Spence’s honours list is impressive with the 29-year-old helping Chelsea win 11 major honours during her time at Kingsmeadow, as well as five Women’s Super League titles, three Women’s FA Cups, two Continental Cups and one Community Shield, Spence brings a huge wealth of winning experience to Rehanne Skinners side. Internationally, Spence switched allegiances from England to Jamaica in 2021, playing a vital part with her quality and experience in her country’s qualification to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ellie Brazil joins from Brighton and Hove Albion Photo: Girls on the Ball Next in was attacking player Ellie Brazil. Brazil adds forward strength to the squad arriving at N17 after four years with Brighton and Hove Albion in which she clocked up 60 league appearances for the club while finishing as the top scorer for the Seagulls in 2018/19. Before her stint on the South coast, Brazil spent time in Italy and with Fiorentina during the 2017-18 season making 17 appearances with 3 of those being in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Internationally, Brazil has been capped in five different age groups for England from Under-17 to Under-23, with her most recent action being as part of the Lionesses U-23 squad of April this year. Experienced midfielder, Romana Petzelberger was signing number 3 for Spurs, joining from fellow WSL side Aston Villa. She made the move to England in 2020, appearing 30 times and notching up 2 goals for the Villains. Prior to making the move to the British shores, Petzelberger played in her native Germany, with the 29-year-old enjoying spells at Wattenschied 09, SC 07 Bad Neuenahr and Bayer Leverkusen. After departing Leverkusen in 2017, she joined her hometown club SGS Essen where she spent three seasons. There she helped the club reach the DFB Cup final before moving to the WSL. Petzelberger has represented Germany in 3 different age groups, from U-17s level to U-20, along being named as part of the Germany squad for the Arnold Clark Cup in February 2022. Spurs added further depth to their attacking options with the addition of 22-year-old Polish international Nikola Karczewska. Top scorer last season with 10 goals for her previous employers FC Fleury Karczewska helped the French outfit to their highest ever finish in the Division 1 Feminine. Before to her move to France, Karczewska spent two seasons with Gornik Leczna in her home nation, helping the club clinch the Ekstraliga title in 2019/20 and qualify for the Champions League, in which she registered three assists in seven appearances the following season in the European competition. Defensive reinforcements were next on the agenda and Amy Turner was seen to fit the criteria and became signing number five in N17. Turner joined from Orlando Pride where she made 19 appearances during her year in the United States. Turner she spent three seasons at fellow WSL side, Manchester United before moving to the NWSL, in which she racked up 67 appearances for the Red Devils and scored twice. Turner was an integral part of the squad that earned promotion to the WSL in 2018/19. Turner made her professional debut at the age of 16 when she took to the field for Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2011. She adds Leeds United, Sheffield United, Notts County and Liverpool to her impressive CV. On the international stage, Turner has been capped four times by the Lionesses, with her first cap coming in March 2015 when she was subbed off the bench against Austria. The sixth signing of the summer for Spurs was 28-year-old Welsh international midfielder Angharad James who, like Turner, joins from Orlando Pride after making 11 appearances for the NWSL outfit. The midfielder started out for North-London rivals Arsenal, where she made her professional debut in the Champions League in October 2011. Bristol City came calling for her services in 2012 and where James made a stellar impact for the Robins during the 2012 WSL season, helping the team reach the final of the FA Women’s Cup. James then enjoyed spells at Notts County, Yeovil Town, Everton and Reading before bringing to end a decade of WSL service in 2021 with a move to North Carolina Courage, where she registered 17 appearances before moving to Orlando Pride. James is vastly experienced on the international stage with 97 caps for Wales with individual honours to her name. James was named the Wales Women’s Player of the Year back in 2017 and scooped the Young Player of the Year awards in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Spurs weren’t done there and soon had a seventh summer signing, Celin Bizet Ildhusøy became the latest new recruit, joining from Paris Saint-Germain. Having signed a deal until 2025, Ildhusøy arrives in N17 after a year with PSG, as they finished runners up in Division 1 Feminine last season. The 20 year old made her professional debut at just 14 years of age in her homeland, Norway, for Skedsmo in the Norwegian third tier. In 2017, she made the move to the top flight and Valerenga where she spent four seasons, making 69 appearances, scoring 8 goals and registering 2 assists. In 2020, she helped the Toppserien club clinch a memorable League and Norwegian Women’s Cup double. On the international front, she has collected eight caps for Norway, with her most recent being at the UEFA Women’s Euro’s this summer! All of these signings bring a blend of both experience and youth, along with huge potential to Rehanne Skinners side as the club looks to build on a historic 2021/22 WSL campaign Spurs will kick-off the season in style against Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 10th September. News
- Lucy Bronze
Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Lucy Bronze Lucy Bronze has arguably been England’s most important fullback over recent years, and even more so, their most versatile fullback tactically. An inverted right-back, she is one of England’s primary sources of build-up. Bronze habitually interchanges in position with the right-winger, but also has the sense to keep her width to stretch play in the right moments. Bronze’s crossing skills and spatial awareness are difference makers and give England a spirited drive along the right touchline. Bronze is also known for her tendency to drift into the midfield to create overloads in the middle. As a progressive fullback, Bronze likes to carry the ball high up the pitch, she has a habit of cutting in centrally and decoying opponents when the space is afforded. Bronze’s role in both defence and in attack cannot be understated. Photograph courtesy of the FA.
- "We're the underdogs" says Jepson | On Her Side
Spurs boss Vicky Jepson insists the pressure is off for Saturday's North London Derby Back "We're the underdogs" says Jepson Spurs boss Vicky Jepson insists the pressure is off for Saturday's North London Derby Asif Burhan 24 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Tottenham Hotspur interim head coach Vicky Jepson spoke to the media on Friday afternoon ahead of the North London derby against Arsenal. Jepson was asked about what conversations she has had with the club since the Leicester match last week. She responded by saying “the focus is taking the next game” and her job is to “try to accumulate as many points as we can whilst I am leading the team”. Jepson said that from what she knows she is interim head coach on a “match-by-match basis”. After the departure of Rehanne Skinner as head coach last week, Jepson also agreed that this week has been a bit more back to normal. Jepson noted the 1-0 win against Leicester in Tottenham’s last match (their first win in nine WSL games) “realises a lot of pressure” and she “ was so pleased with the way they handled the pressure considering we only had 45 minutes on the grass leading into Leicester” . She continued by saying the three points were massive for the club, players and staff, and that is something to build on. Asked about how tough the Arsenal match will be, Jepson acknowledged “they are a top European team so we know it is going to be tough” . Speaking about derbies, the Spurs interim head coach carried on by saying “it is an occasion and form can go out of the window, and it is on our home turf, we don’t fear them, but we are going to have to be really on it to nullify their strengths that they have and be diligent in the way we apply ourselves in possession to cause them problems going forwards.” Shelina Zadorsky will miss the match as she has been suffering with an illness but is progressing on the grass, Jepson confirmed. Apart from that they are looking good and have squad depth on the bench. With Tottenham not having played for 10 days whilst Arsenal played Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, Jepson was asked if this longer break for her side might be an advantage going into the game. She responded by saying “Arsenal have fantastic squad depth so if they want to rotate their squad they could”. Jepson said Spurs have had longer to regroup, input principals on the grass and go back to basics and build on things from the Leicester game. She thinks it is a “blank canvas for both teams” going into the game and the derby is a special occasion. With it being Women’s Football Weekend, Jepson believes both teams will want to put on a display for the fans and younger generation of female footballers across the country, and the derby will be a great occasion. Jepson noted there “is zero pressure on us, no one is expecting Tottenham to win so we are the underdogs and when you are the underdogs it gives you that extra bit of motivation to try and surprise people” when asked if Arsenal are favourites to win the match. She also mentioned that Arsenal don’t want to drop points with where they are in the league and the rivalry between the sides, and there is a significant amount of pressure on them. Kerys Harrop will equal Gilly Flaherty’s WSL record appearances of 177 if she plays against Arsenal. Jepson praised Harrop saying she brings leadership, and is very vocal, and very caring. She helps the younger players, shows good standards, looks after herself properly, has experienced highs and lows and have different skill sets to help lead people through whatever is put in front of them. News
- Arsenal sign Rafaelle Souza | On Her Side
Arsenal have made their third January signing in the form of Brazilian centre-back Rafaelle Souza. Back Arsenal sign Rafaelle Souza Arsenal have made their third January signing in the form of Brazilian centre-back Rafaelle Souza. Arsenal WFC 18 January 2022 By Josh Bunting The 30-year-old defender joins the Gunners following the expiry of her previous deal at Chinese club Changchun Zhuoyue. Rafaelle has also played for Houston Dash in the USA, but Arsenal will be her first European club and she will also be Arsenal Women’s first Brazilian player. Rafaelle has also made 33 appearances for the Brazil national team to date, scoring five goals. She was part of the Brazilian squads that won the 2018 edition of the Copa America and finished second at the 2021 SheBelieves Cup. She fills the void left by Anna Patten who’s gone out on loan to Aston Villa,and the Brazilian international is set to nail down a first team place alongside Leah Williamson. Rafaelle told Arsenal.com “I’m so excited. I feel great to be here and to be playing in such a strong and competitive league. I feel like when I decided to come here, I was looking for a club where I can show my football, and my skills and be in the centre of the world. That’s my challenge, to show my football to the world.” Jonas Eidevall went on to explain “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Rafaelle to the club,her international experience, technical ability and leadership qualities make her an important signing for us – I’m looking forward to working with her and I’m sure the Arsenal fans are excited to see her in action.” Head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added “The signing of Rafaelle represents another significant addition to our squad, Rafaelle has proven international pedigree and we are sure that she will make a valuable contribution both this season and moving forward.” Rafaelle will be available for selection for Arsenal once she has received the necessary international clearance. She johns Stina Blackstenius and Laura Wienroither in arriving in north London this month. News
- Blackstenius is a Gunner | On Her Side
Arsenal announce the signing of Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius Back Blackstenius is a Gunner Arsenal announce the signing of Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius via Analytics.com 14 January 2022 By Charlotte Stacey The 25-year-old striker joins the Gunners from Swedish top-flight club BK Häcken where she has netted 25 goals in 40 appearances. Blackstenius is also a regular fixture in Sweden’s national team and has racked up 22 goals in 72 appearances, including the seven she tallied in last summer’s Olympic Games, in which Sweden placed second. After a decline in performance over recent weeks, including last week’s shock two-nil defeat to Birmingham City, Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall has pinpointed the areas he believes Blackstenius will bolster. “With Stina, especially when we see the way she has performed in the national team, it’s her ability to score goals in really big games. That is down to a lot of factors, but I think the main factor is that she is an excellent player at running in behind. I think it’s a quality that we have missed in the squad. That ability to punish teams that are playing with such a high defending line, so she will help us with that.” The arrival of Blackstenius, however, perhaps draws more answers than questions in regard to Vivianne Miedema’s future at the club once her contract ends in the summer. For the time being, Eidevall was keen to share his tactical thoughts when asked if there is potential in seeing both Blackstenius and Miedema on the pitch at the same time. “I hope there is, that’s one of the scenarios I’m seeing. But against some oppositions, when space gets limited in the initial phases of our possession, with a player like Viv it could be a good idea to have her playing a little bit deeper as a number 10 to get more on the ball and help us to create. Then when we create, of course this is what we have been missing, there is no one inside the box to finish off the attack. So that’s definitely something I’m seeing as a possibility. Of course, they can also both play as a number 9.” Eidevall could not comment on the direction Miedema may take come May, however he could not have been clearer in his view of how Blackstenius’ entrance may impact this. “For me, the arrival of Stina has nothing to do about the future for Viv.” News
- Keira Walsh | On Her Side
Thoughts on: Keira Walsh Thoughts on: Keira Walsh Walsh Back 12 September 2020 By Charlotte Stacey Marmite Keira Walsh Keira Walsh's comments regarding the backlash of criticism she received following the 2019 Women's World Cup are not only sincerely upsetting, but rather alarming. In a particularly honest interview with The Guardian, the Manchester City and England midfielder revealed the comments aimed at her as a result of the World Cup left her questioning whether playing football was for her at all. The World Cup brought excitement, hosts of new fans, and most importantly long-awaited coverage to the women's game. But with increased coverage came increased media attention and a pressure to perform on players that are perhaps not used to such being under such scrutiny. Of course, with the continuous growth of the women's game, deeper analysis and tougher critiques are expected, and players should prepare themselves for such things. But unremitting and senseless criticism of specific players is neither helpful nor productive in developing the women's game. The Lionesses performance at the World Cup was nothing short of impressive. They presented as a team to be taken seriously and comfortably progressed to the semi-finals without much resistance. Their tight knit play arguably led them to looking like the only team with a shot of beating the Wold Number 1 (and eventual winners), the USA. Yet, it was not to be. An unfortunate stroke of luck with a VAR decision and the cavalier attitude of the Americans ultimately brought the English side's tournament to a cruel end. Whilst the result left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of many, it seems unjust that the bulk of criticism fell so harshly on the shoulders of one player. For both club and country Keira Walsh is establishing herself as an integral fixture, yet her distinct style of play continues to divide fans and critics alike. Walsh herself acknowledges that she is "not everyone's cup of tea", but her importance on the pitch is undeniable. Walsh is perhaps not the type of player that is typically expected at the heart of an English midfield. She does not attack games in a particularly forceful fashion, nor is she the most physically threatening on the field. Her approach is patient and gradual, less fast paced and offensively driven, which is why her selection is sometimes considered unusual. MCWFC and Charlotte Stacey However, Walsh's intellect and aptitude to foreword think is what allows her to dictate the flow of play of every match she plays. She plays with her head as much as her feet, making her a highly challenging opposing player to read. Walsh plays the long game, the technical game and it is this skill set that makes her one of the most interesting players in the game. Having a naturally self-effacing and level headed demeanour has meant that Walsh has often been overlooked, especially when playing for England. She tends to fly under the radar. But make no mistake, she is no shrinking violet. Walsh's quiet dominance in the middle when playing for Manchester City is unparalleled, and her ability to pinpoint a ball to a run is quite unique. Walsh is the ultimate playmaker and should not be underestimated. It is also important to consider that Walsh is only in her early twenties. The World Cup was the first time she had been called up for a major tournament at a senior level. It was perhaps a double edged sword for Walsh that it just so happened to be the biggest stage for women's football thus far. However, it should be considered that Walsh's impeccable record at Manchester City, paired with her unfaltering wisdom on the pitch, led to the exceptional standards she was held to. With the weight of heavy criticism on her back Walsh's composure in consoling her teammates at the World Cup demonstrated a professionalism far beyond her years. Her insistence of addressing players and staff from both sides at the end of every game, regardless of her personal stance, marks the character of a future leader. With consecutive starts for both Manchester City and England over the past year, Walsh has the belief of managers, teammates and fans behind her in both instances. Walsh herself would do well to remember this moving forward into the next phase of her career, especially when faced with adversity. But whilst Walsh's play may continue to divide opinion, there is no denying that she has made an impression on the ever developing women's game and is pioneering a shake-up within the traditional central midfield. Watch out world, the reign of Keira Walsh has only just begun. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jan/03/manchester-city-keira-walsh-interview-criticism-world-cup
- Lotte Wubben-Moy | On Her Side
Back Lotte Wubben-Moy (Reserve) Club Arsenal Position Defender D.O.B 11/01/1999 Bio Wubben-Moy has returned to The Arsenal with a physicality and strength that has punished the efforts of opponents. The centre-back is alert in closing down space and strong in standing her ground. Her growing ball playing ability is evident and she has even managed to write her name on the scoresheet this season. It is also worth noting that Wubben-Moy typically plays on the left, a useful trait to have in a right-side heavy defensive pack. Edward Payne E2














