Manchester United Women have enjoyed a relatively good start to the season, considering their status as first-time participants in the FAWSL.
They currently occupy the fourth position and have deserved it based on their performances in the first half of the season.
Even though third-placed Chelsea are eight points ahead, United will not have expected to be top of the chasing pack behind the top three.
With a game in hand, United could really cement fourth come the end of the season.
Lauren James has rightly taken most of the plaudits, but there have been other stellar performances, most notably by defensive midfielder Katie Zelem.
The Manchester United captain has been in superb form, propelling the team forward and acting as the heartbeat of this United team.
The play runs through her, and while her execution may seem very basic, her simplicity makes her seem so dangerous.
This scout report will detail the attributes Zelem possesses and how she fits into Casey Stoney’s tactics.
We will use tactical football analysis to determine her qualities and how she is the most important player at Manchester United through analysis.
Katie Zelem Style of Play Manchester United Women
Zelem primarily plays in the double pivot in Manchester United’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Sitting alongside Hayley Ladd, Zelem plays a playmaking role, looking to dictate the pace of the game and provide the team with positive forward movement.
She is often seen stealing back possession and pushing United forward through her excellent range of passing or dribbling ability to get into more dangerous positions to unleash her dangerous forwards.
The United captain has incredible ball retention skills and can quickly dribble and move out of pressing situations.
Stoney has looked to implement a strong, solid defensive foundation to create a base off of which the team can attack.
The Red Devils usually line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation going forward and a deep 4-5-1 out of possession.
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