As Joe Montemurro refines his game plan heading into the Asian Cup next year, there’s one precocious talent who could hold the key to his attacking philosophy coming together.
Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler dominate the headlines, even in absentia, but Kyra Cooney-Cross’ recent starts for Arsenal are arguably the most important development coming into the November fixtures against New Zealand.
The 23-year-old has only started three fixtures for Arsenal this term, one in the league, two in Europe, but after waiting in the wings, has finally got her chance – a huge positive according to former Matildas striker Ashleigh Sykes, who explained on the Football360 Today podcast that “she’s the key to unlocking the Aussie attack”.
“I know Kyra Cooney-Cross isn’t getting heaps of game time at Arsenal – thankfully, last two games, I think she got 90 minutes there. So maybe the tide is turning a little bit,” Sykes said.
“I feel like she’s the key to unlock this Aussie attack.
“Her creative ability to play through balls to the front three and find little angles in between the defensive lines.
“Against Wales, she was making inside out runs a lot, which were effective in helping to create Caitlin Foord’s goal in the second half and another chance as well, for Amy Sayer.
“I feel like her creativeness adds a lot to this midfield.
“Mary Fowler can probably play that similar role, but, is she going to be fully fit? How fit is she going to be for the Asian Cup is still up in the air, but that midfield three, I think can be so dynamic.”
Sykes, talking in depth on the Football360 Today podcast feed, pinpointed a trio of Clare Wheeler and Katrina Gorry as the combination she would be building with towards the Asian Cup. Listen to her full analysis here.
Meanwhile, Cooney-Cross’ Arsenal teammate Steph Catley heaped praise on the midfielder for the patience and aptitude she has shown trying to break into the Gunners’ XI, rejecting any suggestion that a move away from north London would be best for her development.
“It’s a tough one,” Catley told reporters earlier this week.
“I think if you go and play at a club that’s the best in the world or one of the best in the world there’s competition for places.
Kyra Cooney-Cross. Photo: Charli Neal / The Women’s Game
“So many clubs across Europe, in the WSL, over in the NWSL, there’s so many good players so I think she’s in a position where she’s up against some of the best in the world.
“I think for Kyra it’s an incredible opportunity for her to grow into her position and she’s done that over the last few years and I think every time she comes into play you see that she’s at that level and she’s ready.
“I think it’s just more about consistency for her and at the moment we’ve got a few injuries…so she’s been able to step into that role and she was able to do it seamlessly so I think that shows where she’s at in terms of her maturity and making sure she’s ready in those situations.
Kyra Cooney-Cross. Photo: Charli Neal / The Women’s Game
“But she’s still so young and she’s learning so much and building herself up to be one of the best in the world.
“She’s in such a good place to be able to do that. She’s learning from so many people and her time will come in terms of those consistent minutes but she’s keeping her head screwed on and learning as much as she can and performing when she gets the opportunity.”
On the benefit of being at the club, even if game time is limited, Catley added: “I think sometimes our training sessions can feel harder than the games. Especially for our midfielders, I feel like there’s no time on the ball in training. It’s very intense.
“The demand for quality is very, very high. So she couldn’t be in a better environment.”
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