Emma Clausen is currently one of the most inform players, not only for Chester but also in the league entirely.
Strongest performance off the bench
Emma Clausen had one of the best performances this season against Liverpool Feds. The reason that this outing was so incredible was due to her coming off the bench in the 65th minute and ending the game with three total assists. The powerful 25 minutes cemented just how much of a force she is against the side in the league, and this also proven herself as a crucial aspect of the Chester Women’s side, resulting herself getting put back into the starting 11 in the next game. Kalvin mentioned when speaking to him prior that “she is a quality player, a really crucial member to our squad”
I spoke with Emma about this performance and asked just how special of a moment this was for her, especially since this is her first season with the club. She told me:
“The game was a decent one for me. I’d been on holiday that week so hadn’t trained and knew I’d be back on the bench. Watching from the bench, we were dominating but just couldn’t seem to get that second goal. I was on the bench with Chenai, and I remember saying to her, come on, you’re scoring today. We were chatting about coming on and changing the game, so it was nice to link up with her for the first goal.”
One of the main aspects that I have gathered from speaking to the head coach Kalvin and multiple of players in the Chester squad is just how much they believe they can impact the game, and how they can do it together. There is so much chemistry and togetherness with all of the players at Chester, and Emma Clausen being able to link up with her squad mates just shows that team bonding on the field to the highest degree.
Highest Contributor for the team and most assists in the league
Clausen not only is having these strong performances, but they are all tallying up to end with her being the highest contributor of goals and assists for Chester this season. As of right now before the fixture against Altrincham on Sunday 22nd march, Emma Clausen currently has 15 assists and 7 goals, adding up to 22 contributions for the club so far. She is definitely the most inform player for Chester, as she has gathered these contributions within 20 games, having more goals and assists than appearances.
I wanted to ask Clausen about her current form and just how important it is to carry on this great streak of games.
Speaking with Clausen about continuing her form she mentioned:
“It’s great to have those goal contributions, but I didn’t actually realise I was the Highest contributor! Especially being new to the team this season, it’s just nice to feel like I’m really helping out”
Emma Spoke to me about her position changes this season, and her responsibilities on the pitch this season, adding to how important it is to finish strong this season:
“I’d probably like to have scored more myself, but I’ve got a lot more defensive responsibilities this year. In my old teams, I played more as an attacking winger, whereas this season I’m playing left wing-back. To be fair, considering that shift to a more defensive role and the fact I joined the group late, I think those stats aren’t too bad at all! But as long as the team performances are good and were winning, I’m happy!”
Emma Clausen currently has the most assists in the league with 15 with the player in second on 12. It’s clear that she is on a different level in the league when it comes to passing ability and being able to find a player in the box. Her set piece deliveries are always on point with pinpoint accuracy. Clausen will be a key player in the last few games of the season and going into the next.
I asked Clausen what her thoughts on this achievement are and what is driving her to keep pushing on and showing her quality in games. She told me:
“It’s a good achievement to have. I actually finished with the most assists in the league last season with 18, so seeing I’m on 15 now has given me a target for the end of the season, to try and beat or match that total. With the quality we have up top, I know I just have to put a half-decent ball in, and anyone can finish it. Ive really enjoyed linking up with Ciara and Lola Especially… I feel like we have a really good connection”
Importance of the last two games
Chester are coming up to a really important last two fixtures in the league, as if they can beat Altrincham at the Deva Stadium and Manchester Laces away from home, they will do all they can to potentially win the league entirely. They are watching Nantwich very carefully however, as they will need them to lose to the Manchester Laces on the 29th of March. Chester has a game in hand on Nantwich, with Nantwich Town only having one fixture left, currently sat on 41 points and Chester with 36.
I asked Clausen how important these last two fixtures are for the end of their season, she told me:
“We wanted to finish strongly with hopefully two wins. When you consider quite a few 16- and 17-year-olds are in the squad and for many of them, it’s their first full season in open-age football, finishing 2nd would be a positive achievement. We’ve also got the cup semi-final coming up, and hopefully, we can get that extra game of a final to play in as well.”
“We know these two league games will be very tough. Manchester Laces beat us in the league, but we beat them in the cup, so we know that will be a close game. We just want to go out there, enjoy playing with each other, and put on a good performance to hopefully end the season on a high.”
Final Comments
It’s exciting to see such great prospects in the football leagues thriving, with Emma Clausen having the strongest seasons out of any player in the league. It’s has been super exciting to watch her play her game and working under Kalvin’s system. It was a pleasure hearing from her, learning about her goals, aspirations and hopes for the end of the league too.
Keep an eye out for Clausen over the next few seasons, as she will be the one to watch.
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