Arsenal Women forward Frida Maanum has unlocked her attacking potential this season after an unexpected position change. Almost 18 months later, the same story is still true. After developing into a complete attacking force this season, the Norway international is still defying expectations. Maanum doesn’t have a reputation for having goals. She did not rely on them to support her career in Norway. However, as Arsenal’s top scorer, the midfielder/attacker sits down for an exclusive interview at the club’s training facility to discuss the ups and downs of the current season. Maanum is the most dangerous offensive threat for the Gunners with a total of 10 goals (in all competitions), which continues to grate on her modest demeanor.
Arsenal Women forward Frida Maanum has a hat-trick against Zurich and one against eight-time European winners Lyon in the Champions League, tying her with Vivianne Miedema and Stina Blackstenius for the league lead in goals. Few things are more impressive than defeating the “gold standard” of European football so thoroughly in one’s own backyard. Maanum was chosen that night instead of Miedema in the No. 10 position, which was a tactical brilliance move by manager Eidevall despite initial doubts. In fact, Maanum’s skill with the ball, using his newly found confidence to drive at defenders in areas of the field unfamiliar to a deep-lying midfielder, later helped to justify the surprising decision to remove Miedema.
As Arsenal continues to deal with the injuries to Miedema and Beth Mead, who were collectively responsible for 38.5 percent of the Gunners’ WSL goals last season, what started as an experimental transfer has evolved into a crucial victory. Maanum, on the other hand, enjoys taking centre stage. She appears modest when told of her personal goal total for the season, but but not only thrives off the added responsibility, she also enjoys it. The likes of Mead and Miedema are difficult to duplicate. Maanum, however, does not mean to do that. She only wants to improve; she is not interested in replacing. Arsenal leads the WSL in shots and touches inside the penalty area per game, but its shooting conversion rate isn’t quite as good.
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