Harjeet Johal speaks to Jordan Nobbs ahead of WSL opener

Friday 22 Sep 2017
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Ahead of the start of the new Women’s Super League (WSL) season, Harjeet Johal, a Canadian football journalist, spoke to Kick It Out Ambassador Jordan Nobbs, about her experience with England at Euro 2017 and Jordan’s hopes for her club side going into the new campaign.

The WSL season is about to kick off this weekend with Arsenal set for a tough test against Birmingham City Ladies at Meadow Park on Sunday 24 September. Kick It Out Ambassador Jordan Nobbs is getting set for another campaign with the Gunners and she spoke enthusiastically about their preparations.

“It’s good to have all the girls back in training,” Nobbs began. “We’re trying different strategies, and all we need to do is prepare for the start of the league. I think that’s shown within the girls, the team, and the rotation of players as well. I think it shows the strength, and depth in our squad at the moment.”

The 24 year-old was an instrumental part of England’s semi-final run at the Euro’s in the Netherlands. While England came up short, it was a positive learning experience for Nobbs and her teammates. Although separate from her club life, it allowed Nobbs to improve on and off the pitch. Something she will no doubt use with Arsenal.

“You know, it’s a different game,” admitted Nobbs. “I think playing against some of the best players around. It’s always a good thing to be a part of, and to get that many minutes in a major tournament.

“It’s good for me to have that in my locker. Hopefully I have experienced, and learned a lot from that tournament. It is a little bit different now that I’m back in the middle. Hopefully I’ve got some more exciting years to come, in club, and England.”

What Nobbs will be taking in, is an exciting new teammate that dominated at the Euro’s. Vivianne Miedema will be playing up front and looking to pile up the goals for Arsenal. It may take some time for Miedema to find her grove, but the prospects of Arsenal’s offence look quite promising.

“She’s a great girl, and what a talent she is. Her first touch, and ability on the ball is frightening. It’s exciting to see that we have some great strikers to pick from,” said Nobbs.

Manager Pedro Martínez Losa has an abundance of fire-power to choose from up front. Miedema, Jodie Taylor, Dan Carter, and Beth Mead can all play up top. Nobbs, Daniëlle van de Donk, and Kim Little also have the ability to get forward from the midfield.

“I believe in every single one of these players,” revealed Nobbs. “I’m sure Pedro will pick the team on the day. I think when we start to play these games, and we want to be in every final, you’ve got to have players that are ready to step up, and also push each other. I think we’re doing that right now, and we’re all pushing for our starting shirt.”

Arsenal have shown time, and time again that they’re a force in women’s football. They should be primed to have another successful season reaching new heights. The main goal for Arsenal, as it usually is for most clubs, it’s quite simple, really.

“We want to win the league,” Nobbs said confidently. “I personally want to win the league, and that’s going to be our goal.”

Read more from Harjeet on her website here.

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
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Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
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Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
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Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
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