The Adaptable Brilliance of Lia O’Leary: Shamrock Rovers’ rising star with ‘the world at her feet’ – scout report

When Shamrock Rovers Women announced their intention to end their state of dormancy and re-enter the Women’s Premier Division, many expected them to put up a strong fight for the top-flight title. They have a rich history of winning trophies and are generally recognised as one of the Republic of Ireland (RoI)’s most successful sides.

Their first campaign back in existence largely followed that script. Rovers competed hard under head coach Collie O’Neill and secured a commendable third place. Their well-rounded squad and attractive front-footed style of play both played a key role in their successful campaign.

There were many who helped their 2023 campaign to be so promising, with the likes of striker Stephanie Zambra and utility player Áine O’Gorman immediately standing out due to their status as experienced international stars. However, it was a team effort, and there were others who deserve a lot of credit, too, with one being Lia O’Leary, who largely featured at left-back but who constantly demonstrated her ability to operate in all three areas as the season went on.

The consistency of her performances led to her scooping up the league’s Young Player of the Year award and led to interest in her from elsewhere, with reports linking both newly promoted WSL side Crystal Palace Women and Sassuolo Femminile with her and both inviting her to spend time with them during the off-season period. The positive start that she has made to the 2024 campaign will have only enhanced that interest and this tactical analysis will take a closer look at why she is seen as one of the hottest talents in the Irish game at this moment in time.

Defensive contributions

As referenced, Lia O’Leary did end up featuring in a number of positions as the 2023 season went on and has continued to do so in 2024, but the position that she has started in more than most is left-back. Her key responsibilities have revolved around making important contributions in dangerous situations and ensuring that Rovers are as secure as possible whenever they have been without the ball.

When looking at how O’Leary has approached this side of the game, it is clear to see that she is not the type of player who is happy to simply sit back and wait for the ball to enter her vicinity. Instead, she likes to win the ball at the earliest available opportunity and to ensure that the opposing side has as little chance as possible to get into areas from which they can try their luck. As a result, situations like this, when she has moved out to close down Treaty United Women’s Cara Griffin, have been common to see in Rovers’ matches.

When watching her engage in these 1-v-1 duels, what really stands out is her ability to stay calm and composed whenever it appears as though she is under pressure. She rarely panics and always looks after the ball. In this case, she managed to win and manoeuvre it in such a way that Griffin had to give up all hope of continuing her attack. Instead, it was cleared from danger once O’Leary had sent it towards those behind her.

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