Priority target Olivia Smith cost Liverpool Women a club-record fee of £210,000 last summer, and though they carved out a big portion of their budget to land her, recent performances prove she’s been worth every penny.
Since Smith arrived with her big price tag attached, expectations have been hanging over her head. Everyone knew she was a big talent, but before Liverpool made the sudden decision to sack manager Matt Beard in February’s international break, the Canadian was stifled by the team’s fault-ridden system.
With Beard as the boss, Liverpool’s preferred formation was 3-5-2. And although it aimed to provide extra support in the middle of the defence, it ultimately caused the Reds further headaches.
Too often, teams were bursting into the gaping acres of empty space out wide, and unable to cope, Liverpool were regularly left drowning in their defensive woes.
But the system also failed creatively. Smith suffered the most, and the 20-year-old’s attacking talents were not being utilised to their full potential.
As Liverpool scraped every chance they could, mainly from counter-attacks and individual actions, a lack of effectual service meant Smith was repeatedly left with too much to do.
But in the last three matches under interim manager Amber Whiteley, the Reds new 4-3-3 system has worked wonders, and Smith has excelled.
If her recent performance against Manchester United at Anfield is anything to go by, Liverpool have a true gem on their hands. Involved in all three goals, Smith’s hunger was insatiable.
For the first, she showcased her tenacious pace, leaving Grace Clinton faltering behind in a desperate effort to track her out wide. Clinton in the dust, she finished the move off confidently on her left foot to net past Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
In the second, she proved her playmaking skills. Her incredible break away deep in her own half ignited a swift counter attack, and she found Sam Kerr hurtling forward out wide. Kerr then produced a fine assist for Fuka Nagano but it was Smith’s skills that catalysed the goal.
The young Canadian completed her hattrick of goal involvements in the 67th minute with a composed penalty. It rippled the back of the net, rounding off her best game yet in a Liverpool shirt.
“It was special. I think I brought out my individual quality there,” she told the BBC after the win.
“I had my best friend from from home, my mum, my sister, my dad and some family friends as well.”
On Saturday, Liverpool travel to Arsenal, just two weeks after dumping them out of the FA Cup in the semi-final at Meadow Park.
As the Reds look to continue their perfect streak under Whiteley, Arsenal will be out for revenge. Shutting down Smith will be one of their biggest tasks.
Left-back Katie McCabe has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players this season. Defensively sound, but also first in the WSL for total crosses and never afraid to push forward, her versatility is evident.
But when it came to facing Olivia Smith in the FA Cup, McCabe crumbled. The Canadian tormented her from start to finish.
“Olivia is so talented that she could play anywhere across the top line,” said interim boss Whiteley as she previewed Saturday’s game. “She’s been brilliant in the last few weeks.
“On the ball she causes the opposition teams real problems going forward, but she’s been so good off the ball too.
“Her work rate and her energy going back to track has been great, and she’s so good in a duel.
She added: “Off the pitch, she’s so humble and just wants to learn and get better. She’s an absolute pleasure.”
Featured image courtesy of Beyond The 90 photographer, Steven Taylor.