Laia Aleixandri confronted Barcelona — a membership the place she spent 5 youth rising as a footballer — in a decisive UEFA Girls’s Champions League Group D match. This time, she wore the captain’s armband for , main her aspect with willpower.
The match allowed followers and former Barcelona teammates to understand Aleixandri’s development as her contract in England approaches its finish.
Nice match in opposition to an previous good friend
Barcelona’s first probability got here when Aitana Bonmatí recovered possession, sparking an assault that pressured Khiara Keating into a formidable save. Keating tipped Salma Paralluelo’s shot over for a nook. Defending a two-time Ballon d’Or winner like Bonmatí isn’t any straightforward job. Nevertheless, Aleixandri knew her strengths nicely from their youth soccer days.
“She was spectacular — an incredible participant. I truly suppose she’s been the most effective participant for Metropolis at the moment, together with the goalkeeper,” Bonmatí mentioned of her former teammate.
Aleixandri’s historical past with Barcelona runs deep. From 2013 to 2017, she performed alongside acquainted names like Gemma Font and Ona Batlle. She progressed by means of the youth academy earlier than shifting to Atlético de Madrid seeking extra alternatives.
Aleixandri management and flexibility
On this match, Aleixandri led Man Metropolis’s defence alongside Alanna Kennedy, Kerstin Casparij and Leila Ouahabi. She directed her backline with authority, shouting directions, gesturing to her teammates and even participating the referee when Serbian official Jelena Cvetković cautioned Metropolis for time-wasting. Her management on the sphere was evident.
Aleixandri’s versatility shone by means of as she stepped into midfield to ship a exact move to Jill Roord, whose shot rattled the crossbar. Regardless of momentarily leaving her defensive place, Aleixandri instantly returned to solidify the backline — a testomony to her unwavering dedication.
Since becoming a member of Manchester Metropolis, Aleixandri has grown considerably underneath Gareth Taylor’s administration. She has tailored to the bodily calls for of the English sport, turning into stronger and extra resilient. Her skill to problem gamers like Ewa Pajor, certainly one of Europe’s strongest forwards, is a testomony to her progress.
Bonmatí finally sealed Barcelona’s victory after successful a race and a struggle in opposition to Leila Ouahabi. Bonmati scored that second objective after Pajor outpaced and outmuscled Aleixandri to ship an ideal help. But, her contributions all through the match underscored her progress and significance to Manchester Metropolis.
Blossoming in Manchester
Aleixandri’s growth as a participant displays her adaptability and willpower. After leaving Barcelona attributable to restricted alternatives in a crowded defensive roster, her time at Atlético Madrid ready her for the subsequent step.
At Manchester Metropolis, she has develop into a key participant, embracing a mode of play that blends Spanish technicality with the bodily calls for of English soccer.
“Her ball-playing expertise are unimaginable; she is aware of precisely when to step out and when to not, when to drive ahead and when to carry her place. Defensively, she’s very aggressive and reads the sport so nicely. For me, she’s a really full center-back,” Bonmatí praised.
Aleixandri’s evolution from a younger expertise to a frontrunner at certainly one of Europe’s prime golf equipment is a narrative of resilience, adaptability and distinctive talent. Her future remains to be unsure, however the reality is that . Manchester Metropolis needs to maintain her, however Barcelona additionally needs her to return house. Many different groups are concerned about her providers, too.
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