Olivia Smith: “I Get To Bring Out My Qualities” In New Formation
The Canadian attacker was again excellent with two goals in the Liverpool FC Women’s win over Manchester United at Anfield on Friday.
The Liverpool FC Women had a historic performance on Friday when they marked their first win playing at Anfield. The Reds soaked up pressure through from Manchester United much of the first half, but struck twice within minutes at the end of the first half to go up 2-0 in front of over 15,000 supporters. Liverpool would earn a penalty in the second half that was scored before United earned a late consolation goal.
Liverpool’s precocious young Canadian attacker, Olivia Smith, was again excellent on the day. She scored the opener off of a great solo dribble in the box, and also netted the penalty kick for the third goal. Smith also jump started the attack that lead to the Reds’ second goal by playing the ball forward for Sam Kerr in space, allowing the midfielder to carry it forward and ultimately find Fuka Nagano for the finish.
For Smith, the performance was made all the sweeter by having a host of family and friends at the match. It was a big moment as well, playing at Anfield in front of a large and raucous crowd.
”I love it. To have my family here makes it 10 times better. [The first goal] was special, I think I brought out my individual quality there but also the connection I have with the girls in midfield. It just goes to show where that goal came from.”
“I had my best friend from home, my mum, my sister, my dad [here] and some family friends as well.”
Smith has impressed all season, but she really seems to have settled in over the past month. She says she is feeling at home now, and a switch to a 4-3-3 formation in recent matches has suited her.
“It definitely feels like home now, just starting to get comfortable and build my confidence. Especially in this new formation, I get to bring out my qualities.”
“Honestly it has been fun, going against top opponents is really good for me to improve and I can look back on these games and see what I can do better for the next match.”
It’s been a tumultuous time for Liverpool in Smith’s first season with the club. A multitude of injuries, some dodgy refereeing decisions, and several poor performances saw the Reds struggling to replicate the form that helped them to finish fourth in the WSL last season. Matt Beard was let go towards the end of the February international break, but the squad has responded well to interim manager Amber Whiteley, reeling off three wins in a row, with two over teams near the top of the table. According to Smith, the squad is adjusting well to the new style implemented, and competition in training has been upping the level for all.
“Now we’re in a new formation and it allows us to bring our different qualities. We all feel good, the competition in training is really good.”
Olivia Smith and the Reds will be back in action next Saturday as they travel back to London for the third time in four weeks. Liverpool will face an Arsenal side who will be looking for revenge after the Reds knocked them out of the FA Women’s Cup two weeks prior.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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