Alex Greenwood had more ball touches (579) than any other player in this tournament. Credit: Getty Images/Naomi Baker
England's jump to the Women's World Cup semi-finals was built primarily on a solid defensive foundation and Alex Greenwood was at the center of that process. Perhaps she has somewhat gone out of sight, but imperceptibly becomes a real contender for the Golden Ball of the competition.
The Lionesses' defense trio of Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Greenwood delivered a flawless performance in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Colombia, and the European champions conceded just twice after five games in that tournament. They also excelled with the ball, no more so than Manchester City's Greenwood, and the stats back up her case for a place at least in the Team of the Tournament.
Greenwood has had more touches (579) than any other player in this tournament, highlighting how integral she has been to the England game. She also leads this World Cup with the most steals of any player from the 32 competing teams; her score of 13 highlights her impressive reading of the game and her anticipation.
Her composure in possession, especially against an attacking side, has been critical for England as they look to replace injured captain Leah Williamson, who has taken on the central role defender at the European Championship last summer.
Perhaps Greenwood is so capable of eluding the press that she takes things to the next level. She plays with the calmness of a Rolls Royce but can get out of tight spaces like a Fiat 500, a combination that was evident several times at Australia Stadium when she helped England break through the Colombian press.
The England defending trio of Jess Carter, Millie Bright (right) and Millie Bright (right) will play a key role against Australia. Photo: Getty Images/Steve Cristo
The 29-year-old also stuck when needed and won 10 tackles — so far no one in the tournament has won more than 12. Then, having possession is vital to moving the ball forward for the Lionesses, and she made 40 progressive passes, more than any non-Spain player. With nine key passes — ninth in the competition — she's also on par with attacking midfielders when it comes to creating future chances.
Bright and Carter's performances were also strong, with Bright improving from game to game after returning from a knee injury that kept her out of the tournament for four months prior to the tournament. In England's opening win over Haiti — Bright's first competitive match since facing Lyon in the Women's Champions League quarter-final in March — she looked rusty to say the least and put up a few weak shots. But that web has dissipated as the centre-back blocks bravely on Saturday and dominates the air.
Carter also deserves high praise for his performance against the incredibly talented 18-year-old Colombian team. Real Madrid striker Linda Caicedo. Thanks to Carter and full-back Lucy Bronze, England were able to get Caicedo to remain relatively calm.
Even tougher tests lie ahead: Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso are likely to line up in Australia's attacking lineup in Wednesday's titanic semi-final in Sydney, but England will have the upper hand on how solid their new back three have proved. be.
This is also an English team that shows class in winning and respecting their opponents, showing the sportsmanship that is characteristic of their character. Greenwood demonstrated this again on Saturday when he consoled a distraught Caicedo on a full-time basis.
This is much more than just a game. 🫶#Beyond greatness | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/7m7NMlBaNd
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC), 12 August 2023
Several other England players expressed sympathy for the dejected Colombian players after the match. Similarly, after the Lionesses' round of 16 victory over Nigeria, Greenwood and Chloe Kelly were quick to comfort goaltender Chiamaka Nnadozi at the end of the penalty shootout. Kelly even asked the TV cameras not to film the stoppage of gunfire in Nigeria.
Greenwood, Bright and Carter, England have a cute trio who have also proven to be extremely reliable.
Свежие комментарии