Both Arsenal and Steph Catley are a perfect fit for one another. 26 years old soccer player dreamt of clothing herself in Arsenal’s jersey, while it’s not the first time Arsenal knocked her doors for the contract deal.
Steph continues her Australian grace on the Women’s Super League, joining Arsenal for the 2020-21 seasons. In past years, she has showcased riveting ties with the W-League and USA. At the age of eighteen, she dribbled her soccer passion, accumulating 82 caps for the Matildas. All-around “she has been sought after by a few of the top European clubs, but she just felt that the way we play, our style and environment suited her and her progress going forward,” as per Joseph Adrian Montemurro, the manager of Arsenal Women.
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He is glad to have Steph in the team since he is well-acknowledged how Steph had a senior debut at Melbourne victory between 2009 and 2014. Montemurro worked with the soccer player, Steph, for three years and persuaded her to continue club commitment in Melbourne City. Above all, he didn’t intend to lose her as he did in 2019.
“I’ve obviously kept in contact with her as friends also, but she’s definitely a player that once the opportunity arose, understood that she needed to advance her career by coming to Europe.”
“That was very important to her and we kept tabs and made sure that the lines of communication were open, and lo and behold we had the opportunity to offer her an opportunity!”
Back in 2019, Arsenal set contracts for Steph, but they couldn’t reach terms on the deal. Montemurro believes Steph is insightful that Australian players must get European contracts to advance their careers. She became the 10th Matilda to move to one of European commitment and play over 30 games in a single season.
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“I think that Steph has understood that the WSL is an important stepping stone and being part of one of the best leagues in the world and being amongst the best players in the world is only going to make her better. So it’s a strategic career move for her, but also an important part is that she’s found the right fit with the right club that will take her to the next level.” Montemurro explained.
After working for three years, he surely knows Steph is a “selfless person.” She is diligent of defensive tactics whenever required for the team. ‘but she’s also dangerous in the attacking phase.” He admits Steph, a multi-talented soccer player, positioning in different spots- such as “left-sided central defender in a back three, and in a back four too.” Montemurro is glad to secure her both technical arrays of defense and attack mode amidst PSG in the quarter-finals on August 22.
