GOALDespite establishing herself as one of the top centre-backs in the world, the Man City defender has been dropped from Sarina Wiegman’s starting lineup.
It’s remarkable to think that just five years ago, Lionesses star Alex Greenwood wasn’t even playing in the position that she is, today, one of the best players in the world in. Her entry into GOAL’s ‘World-Class Club’ this week was the culmination of several seasons of absolute top quality consistency in a role that has really helped her reach new levels.
When England reached just a second Women’s World Cup semi-final in 2019, Greenwood was rotating at left-back with Demi Stokes, starting four matches to her team-mate’s three as the Lionesses finished fourth. When they went a round further last summer, reaching the final in Australia, Greenwood was this time an ever-present at centre-back. For some, she was the tournament’s best player. Though Aitana Bonmati, the star of Spain’s triumph, got that accolade, the technically-gifted defender playing for her opponent in that final was certainly up there, too.
The performances in Australia were not just a temporary success. They accurately displayed the consistent level of skill that Greenwood has achieved over a significant period of time. This has established her as one of the top center-backs in the game, a status that she couldn’t have imagined five years ago.
