When NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that USWNT regulars Rose Lavelle, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn and Emily Sonnett would be joining them ahead of the 2024 NWSL campaign, there was a noticeable buzz around the New Jersey club as fans geared up for what was shaping up to be another strong season, and one that many felt could end with the league trophy once again within their grasp.
Whilst they did make a slightly laboured start to the season due to the need to gel their new arrivals into their structure, they have grown into it and now look like a team to be reckoned with whenever they step out onto the field.
Central to that has been the form of Ella Stevens, another of their new arrivals whose signing largely went under the radar. However, there is no doubt that the former Chicago Red Stars player has made a name for herself at the Red Bull Arena, with her becoming intrinsic to everything that her new side has done well.
The consistency of her performances has led to calls among the wider fanbase for her to be included in Emma Hayes’ USWNT squad, and it surely won’t be too long before she is named on a national team roster.
With that in mind, this Ella Stevens tactical analysis will take a closer look at Stevens’ game to see why she has earned so many plaudits of late and what she could bring to the national team when her opportunity does arrive.
Ella Stevens Build Up Play
With Ella Stevens being a forward by trade, there is no doubt that she is at her best when inside the final third and leading the line.
However, Gotham signed her for other aspects of her play, too, with it clear when watching the former Red Stars attacker that she is a very well-rounded player who brings a lot of different attributes to her team’s game plan.
One of the qualities that is most evident in her game is her strong passing ability, with it not uncommon to see her dropping back to get on the ball in deeper areas and assisting those behind her to construct phases of play.
This has particularly benefited Gotham, which they have used to their advantage where possible.
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