‘Pre-season gave me a lot of confidence’ Holmberg relishing first full Arsenal season
Arsenal full-back Smilla Holmberg says she is feeling the benefit of her first full pre-season with the club having signed from Hammarby in January. The 19-year-old came off the bench to score a stoppage time equaliser against Manchester United on Saturday evening and looks set to get her first start of the campaign at home to HB Koge in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Asked by Arseblog News whether pre-season had helped her to work on other qualities and positions aside from her obvious penchant for dribbling and crossing, Holmberg said a full summer has really benefitted her preparation.
‘Yes I spoke to Renee and the coaching staff about this in the summer. When I came in January it was about 10 days until my first game so the focus was on me coming in, playing my game and focusing on bringing my qualities. But having this six week pre-season, I have worked on being able to play in different positions, even centre-back some games.
‘I am still learning and playing in different positions is good for me as a player and develops me. I am happy to play wherever Renee and the team need me to. Pre-season gave me a lot of confidence to play with different players and get those connections going between each other on the pitch.’
Holmberg also singled out the support she has been offered by international teammate Stina Blackstenius since arriving in North London. Blackstenius has been with the club for four and a half years and had her own difficulties earlier in her career after moving to Montpellier but struggling to acclimatise in France.
‘She has meant a lot to me and still means a lot to me. To have her when I came in January in a new country with a new team and a different culture, that was everything I needed at this moment. Now we live together so she has her house, we are closer than ever.’
Holmberg’s goal against United was Arsenal’s first converted shot in 57 attempts as the Gunners have toiled in the final third in the early weeks of the season, but Holmberg insists she has not been focused on that.
‘I haven’t really thought about that exactly but I see the quality we have in the team in every training session, we have so much belief in what we can do and what we can achieve. We are not happy about the two draws, we want wins but we have created a lot of very good chances, all of us have to be ready and contribute when the team needs you.
‘We know there will be different types of opponents and game plans, for me personally I always enjoy being on the ball and trying to contribute with my qualities and add variety to my game and the team’s game too.’
Holmberg doesn’t turn 20 until next month and insists she is still living a dream by playing for a club like Arsenal. ‘It is a dream to play for Arsenal, I am proud every time I wear the badge, even in training as well as games. I am enjoying it every day and I want to keep improving and contributing and winning games with Arsenal.’
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