Making her first Arsenal appearance will be a dream come true for Smilla Holmberg, who signed for us on Monday.
The young Swedish defender makes her first move overseas, having been at Hammarby IF since 2022 after moving there from Alvsjo.
Speaking to us at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in her first club interview, Smilla summed up her emotions: “Incredible and very special. Arsenal is a huge club with high standards and it's unreal to be honest.
“I think everyone, especially me, has grown up watching Arsenal play. It's very special and I'm so proud to be here and can't wait to get started.
“I think it's just something special with Arsenal; the fans, the environment to develop here as a player. I think it's a familiar place to be in and it's something special. It's hard to put into words but Arsenal is something really special.
“I felt like this year I've taken big steps in my career. I felt like it was the time for me to try something else and step out of my comfort zone. When I had my first conversation with Arsenal, I felt like the belief and the ambitions are things that we can build together. I want to see how far I can go and I think Arsenal is the best place to be in. My dream has always been to play in Arsenal, so it's fantastic.
“Of course, it's a difference and the first time I'm moving from home and moving abroad. It will be special but also very fun and I think this is an opportunity for me to grow both as a person but also as a football player. I'm excited to come here every day and be better on everything.”
Read more Smilla Holmberg joins Arsenal
Supporters may have caught glimpses of Smilla at the Euros with Sweden, where she became the youngest player in their squad at the age of 18. But, for those who have never seen Smilla play, we asked her to describe her playing style.
“I think I'm a player that likes to play with much intensity and courage,” she exlpained. “I like to be a part of the game higher up in the pitch and creating chances. I love the one-against-one situations, both offensively and defensively, so a balance between the offensive part and the defensive part. I like to play with much speed and I like the one-against-one duels.
“I’ve worked on goals and assists a lot, especially this year. A lot of work in timing, positioning and the different type of process and one-against-one situations. It's a part of the modern full-back now, especially in teams where you like to dominate the game. I'm still working on it, but I think it's important to have the balance between the defensive and the offensive part.”
So what is Smilla anticipating will be the main differences between Swedish football and the Barclays Women’s Super League?
“The WSL is extremely fast and physical, I think you have quality players in every team,” she said. “If you're not taking quick decisions, you get punished very fast. That's something that motivates me to always be focused and always be at my top [level].
“I felt that in the Euros this summer, that you have to be on the top [of your game] every day to perform.”
A couple of familiar faces will be helping Smilla settle into her new surroundings, as Kyra Cooney-Cross played alongside her at Hammarby and Stina Blackstenius and Rosa Kafaji have been on the same national team.
“Kyra is a great player, and it's very nice to play with her and nice to see her grow in Arsenal, it will be fun to play with her again,” she said. “I think Stina has always been a role model and someone I looked up to when I was a child, seeing her play in both Arsenal and in the Swedish national team. So, it's fun to play with Rosa, Stina and Kyra again."
In 2025, Smilla's exciting performances saw her nominated for the Golden Girl award, and she’s keen to continue thriving under the pressure brought about by increasing expectations.
“Expectation and the pressure is a part of football and something that motivates me a lot. So, I try to see it as something that motivates me more than pressure. It also shows that the work I've put in is going in the right direction. It's something that I love with football so I'm enjoying it.
“It was something very special to earn my first Swedish cap and to be competing against the best players in Europe. I felt it both in the first camp but also in the Euros this summer. You have to be at the highest level, and I think it's where I want to be.”
Of course, one of the most exciting things for any new arrival is the thought of playing in front of tens of thousands of supporters at Emirates Stadium, and that’s no different for Smilla.
“I can't wait to be honest, it's unreal,” she said. “I was at a game a couple of weeks ago and it was something very special, and I think you can only experience that at Arsenal. I'm not really used to that kind of crowd even though Hammarby has great fans. It will be something very special.
“I think Arsenal is the right place to be if I want to develop and the environment here is great for players to develop. Both individually, to grow as a person and as a player, and also, win titles with Arsenal. I think that's every footballer's dream, to win titles, especially here at Arsenal for me.”
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