Lisa Baum wasted little time making an impression at Arsenal Women as the summer signing scored in Saturday’s 2-1 pre-season victory over Crystal Palace.
The 19-year-old was introduced at half-time as Renée Slegers changed her entire XI, before finding the equaliser with 15 minutes remaining. Chloe Kelly later completed the comeback at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
It was only a behind-closed-doors friendly, but Baum’s immediate contribution offered an encouraging first glimpse of what she could bring to Arsenal this season.
Baum had already tested substitute goalkeeper Shae Yanez before eventually finding the net.
Bryony-Rose Brodie picked out the German around the edge of the penalty area before Baum worked her way inside and fired high into the Palace goal.
Arsenal’s official report confirms Baum was one of 11 half-time changes, meaning she made her impact during only 45 minutes on the pitch.
That fits the profile Arsenal believed they were signing.
When Baum arrived from RB Leipzig, Slegers described her as a wide forward capable of bringing direct intent and athleticism to the attack. The teenager scored six Bundesliga goals last season before making the move to north London. (sports.yahoo.com)
ReadArsenal highlighted Baum as part of an extensive rebuild of Slegers’ squad, with Arsenal adding several new attacking and midfield options following a summer of significant change.
Scoring in her first pre-season appearance is only a small step, but it is a positive one.
Competition for Arsenal Women places is already strong
Baum will not simply walk into Slegers’ starting XI.
Arsenal already have experienced attacking options including Kelly, Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord, while Olivia Smith was heavily involved during the opening half against Palace.
Selina Cerci has also arrived this summer after an impressive spell in Germany. ReadArsenal previously examined how Cerci adds another direct final-third option, increasing the competition available to Slegers.
That makes Baum’s early contribution useful.
She was signed as a player with significant development still ahead of her rather than someone expected to immediately carry Arsenal’s attack. Sky Germany reported that her transfer could reach around €600,000, underlining how highly the club rate her potential. (sport.sky.de)
Pre-season will now give Slegers time to assess where Baum fits best and how quickly she can adapt to English football.
There should be limits on how much Arsenal take from Saturday’s game.
It was played behind closed doors, both teams changed their entire sides at half-time and the main objective was building fitness rather than producing a finished performance.
Baum nevertheless did exactly what a new signing wants to do.
She came on, threatened the Palace goal and scored when Arsenal needed an equaliser.
There will be much tougher tests once the WSL campaign begins, but Baum could hardly have made a more encouraging first impression.
Arsenal Women 2-1 Crystal Palace: Baum scores as Kelly seals comeback
Arsenal Women 2-1 Crystal Palace: Baum scores as Kelly seals comeback
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Arsenal return for Juventus star after major transfer setback