When I posted about my summer transfer wishlist I should’ve and could’ve addressed a couple of things in a much responsible and researched way, but alas, I didn’t. Those “things” are actual positions and they are a backup GK and also the long absence of Laura. I’ll start with the latter.
At one point of the season, the competition between Laure and Noelle was nothing short of elite. They were both getting playing time… when one was going through a dip in performance, the other would come in and play great. I remember when Laura started more matches I was saying to myself that she was my first choice right back. Then, when Noelle started playing more I said the same thing.
This dynamic is exactly what we need, in every possible position. OK maybe not all positions, but ideally every position has this type of pressure. It’s what I have been saying regarding our bench. In my opinion, when all players are healthy, there’s no scenario in which Vic pushes Beth, Katie, Caitlin, Frida, Kim etc. Same goes for Hurtig, LWM, Gio, or Kaylan pushing the regular starters. Not from what I’ve seen, but remember, I know nothing. I do actually think Teyah Goldie and Kuhl have very bright futures ahead at the club and I would put them ahead of LWM and Pelova respectively in the pecking order.
Now, as far as the GKs go I would like to see Manu being pushed more. Maybe she is currently being challenged and I just don’t see it or appreciate it. In the matches I’ve seen her benched for whatever reason, I am not fully overwhelmed with confidence. It’s not that I don’t rate Sabrina or Kaylan. It’s that I don’t see Manu being actually challenged by them day in and day out. And to be fair, Manu is among the best in the world.
Let’s hope for more news soon.
d ❤
THAT ARSENAL WOMEN PODCAST on:
A very subjective look into AWFC 
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