'I Want To Develop & Help The Team'
Ale this week became Willie Kirk’s third signing of the winter transfer window, having already added Japanese duo Saori Takarada and Yuka Momiki to his squad, before the defender’s arrival on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
An energetic player who can operate in either full-back position, she adds quality, desire and competition to City's defence, as they look to sure things up in the backline and get back to winning ways in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
After signing a deal with the Club, the English-born footballer summed up her feelings and spoke about the influence that the Manager had on her decision to move temporarily to the East Midlands.
“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to come here and get going,” she said in an interview upon signing. “I’m 22 years old, and at my age, I think it’s important to get some game time and develop as a player.
“I had a video call with Willie [Kirk] and it really impressed me, just how much they knew about me and my attributes. Willie had a whole presentation on what he wants from me. They researched into my previous seasons and stats and that gave me confidence.
“I think it will be good for me to join Leicester for the rest of the season and hopefully help them out by getting a few more points on the board.
“I can play either side of defence at full-back, and he likes the fact I can sometimes come inside, because I’m quite fluid with my play.
“I always want to get on the ball and link up with other players, so I think I’ll suit the way that Leicester play. I’ve been watching some games from this season, and you can see that they’ve grown quite quickly.”
The former Aston Villa defender joins the Foxes with a mind ready to learn, but also with valuable experience of England’s top division and international football, having represented the Lionesses at youth level.
Excited to join up with her new team-mates, Ale hopes she can help the team in any way she can to have a positive second half of the term, and has identified an aspect of City’s game which she aims to improve.
“I really like how they’re aggressive and fearless on the ball when they play big teams,” the full-back continued. “I can see that they play with a lot of energy and hopefully I can help them out on defensive transitions because I know that’s an area where Leicester have been struggling. But with another defender on the pitch, I’m hoping I can help with that.
“I’m always listening to other players and the feedback they give me. I’ve already met the girls and it went well. I can already tell that I’m going to learn a lot – I’m quite a visual learner so I enjoy training with them but also like to take on feedback.
“I was surprised when I got here that the women have so much just for themselves, and I think that’s really important. Especially with weather like this, [it’s beneficial] to have a number of pitches and great staff.
“I’d say I’m energetic and positive. I’m excited for the new challenge with this team. I want to develop as much as I can, get as many minutes as I can and help the team out while I’m here.”