Liam Underwood - Arsenal Women Coverage

Player Profile: Frida Maanum Introduction Frida Maanum’s significance to Arsenal Women lies first and foremost in her tactical mastery of the central attacking midfield role in René Slegers’ 4-2-3-1. At 25, she is a sophisticated operator who blends positional intelligence, timing, and spatial awareness to unlock defenses and drive Arsenal’s possession-based attack forward. Unlike more static number 10s of the past, Maanum is a dynamic force whose movements constantly shift the shape of the opposition and her own team. This section explores the nuanced ways she operates tactically: her positioning, movement patterns, interplay with teammates, and how she adapts her role based on game context. Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 System: Framework for Maanum’s Role The 4-2-3-1 is a formation that balances defensive solidity with attacking fluidity. Arsenal’s version under Slegers emphasizes: A solid double pivot providing cover and distribution. High positional rotation among the front four...

 

Anneke Borbe: Why Arsenal want her.... ✨ Overview: A Young Keeper with Elite Potential and Tactical Fit At 24 years old , Anneke Borbe is one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers. Known for her sharp reflexes, commanding presence, and composed distribution, Borbe brings a blend of youth and maturity that fits perfectly into Renée Slegers’ fluid, possession-oriented Arsenal system. Currently, Daphne Van Domselaar holds the number 1 goalkeeper spot , but Borbe’s arrival adds healthy competition and valuable depth in goalkeeping ranks. 🏛️ Tactical Role: The Modern Keeper in a Fluid, Build-From-The-Back System Shot-Stopping & Command Borbe’s reflexes and positioning allow her to make crucial saves, often in high-pressure moments. She’s vocal in organising the defensive line and confident in claiming crosses, ensuring Arsenal’s defence maintains structure and composure. Distribution & Build-Up A standout feature of Borbe’s game is her calm, precise distributio...

Player Profile: Lia Wälti — Arsenal’s "Snake Hips"and the Midfield Compass Beneath the Flow I. Introduction: Stillness as Superpower In a side built on motion, Lia Wälti is the still point. The 32-year-old Swiss international is neither explosive nor chaotic — she is surgical, composed, and deeply intelligent. Her football isn’t loud; it’s spatial, anticipatory, and precise. Nicknamed “Snake Hips” for her uncanny ability to slip out of pressure with a turn of the body, Wälti’s presence defines Arsenal’s control zones. Under Renée Slegers , where fluidity is principle, Wälti is the principle’s anchor. This season has not been smooth. Injury disruptions have riddled her rhythm — yet she’s now returning to her best , and with every minute on the pitch, the game begins to revolve around her again. II. Tactical Identity: The Deep-Lying Compass Wälti doesn’t impose herself with brute force or volume. Her dominance comes from always being one step ahead — occupying the ...