Miedema’s Pivotal Role in Manchester City’s Success

Vivianne Miedema’s consistent availability has been invaluable for both herself and Manchester City. Despite experiencing a three-month absence during the previous season and facing an injury that prematurely concluded her 2024-25 campaign in March, the former Arsenal star has continually demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the most talented players of her generation.

In just eight starts, Miedema netted seven goals in the Women’s Super League (WSL), highlighted by an impressive two-goal performance in the first leg of City’s Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea. Unfortunately, injuries have hindered her from delivering that level of magic throughout the entire season.

Reflecting on her journey since tearing her ACL in late 2022, Miedema candidly shared her struggles during her early days at City. “I thought, ‘I’m not sure if I can do this and still want to do this at my age,’” she revealed in the club’s official podcast.

One silver lining from City’s failure to qualify for the Champions League last season is the intensified focus on the WSL title, which they are now on the verge of clinching. Additionally, the reduced match schedule has enabled Miedema to maintain impeccable fitness, a crucial factor given her previous concerns regarding the mounting fixture list and its correlation with ACL injuries in women’s football.

“This season, I think everyone can see I feel like a completely different person and player,” she noted, and the statistics support this claim. Only Khadija Shaw, City’s outstanding No. 9, has more direct goal involvements in the WSL this season than Miedema’s 11, while only Kerstin Casparij has provided more assists.

Miedema has also led the league in creating significant scoring chances and ranks prominently in key passes, shots, and shots on target. In essence, she is thriving in this City team.

For the first time, she has consistently assumed a No.10 role, a position she enjoys most. While she previously identified as a ‘9.5’ and was often deployed as a No.9 at Arsenal, her transition to City has allowed her to flourish in a playmaking capacity. “In my head, I’m not an out-and-out No.9,” she explained. “I leave games happier when I’m involved a lot rather than scoring a couple of goals.”

Initially, some questioned whether Miedema could excel as a No.10 without negatively impacting team dynamics, considering the increased defensive responsibilities it places on the midfield. However, new head coach Andree Jeglertz has developed an effective formula, forming a strong partnership behind Miedema with Yui Hasegawa and Laura Blindkilde Brown.

Under previous management, Hasegawa often played as a solitary holding midfielder, but this season, the duo has provided sufficient protection for the defense while enabling Miedema to contribute significantly in attack. “My job is to put her in positions and situations where she can express herself,” Jeglertz remarked, and he has certainly succeeded.

The synergy between Miedema and Shaw has blossomed, resulting in a formidable offensive strategy. Shaw is leading the race for the WSL Golden Boot, and their collaboration on the field has played a crucial role in her success. “When she looks up, I just have to get going because I know she’s going to play a really good ball to me,” Shaw said of Miedema.

Miedema elaborated, explaining that their teamwork revolves around making runs that create opportunities for each other. “It’s just the chemistry,” Shaw added. “We’ve been working on it throughout pre-season, constantly communicating and training together.”

This partnership lies at the heart of the most potent attack in the WSL this season, contributing to a staggering 41 goals in 14 matches, which places City a remarkable 11 points ahead of their rivals with eight games remaining.

As Chelsea has dominated English football for the past six years, Miedema, who was pivotal in the last club to win the league prior to Chelsea’s dominance, is now positioned to be crucial in dethroning them — albeit in a different role. “I love that I now have a new challenge and can give something else to the game. That’s how I see it,” she shared.

Miedema continues to relish her responsibility in the No.10 role, emphasizing the luxury of orchestrating plays for her teammates. “We’re always trying to find Viv, because when she’s got the ball, things just naturally happen,” Shaw concluded. It is evident that Manchester City has emerged as the premier team in England this season, largely due to their dynamic on-field chemistry.