Freddie Cardy
“In that unit, we have to acknowledge a player like Lotte Wubben-Moy. We have to acknowledge the levels she has been playing at this season, and seeing how much she develops.”
High praise from Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall for homegrown defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, whose commanding display in Arsenal’s win over Manchester United on Sunday earned plaudits from fans, pundits, and Eidevall in particular.
Wubben-Moy had already stepped up notably in the nine month injury absence of Leah Williamson, before then losing another centre-back partner in Rafaelle Souza at the end of last season when the Brazilian joined Orlando Pride.
Arsenal brought in centre-backs Laia Codina and Amanda Ilestedt in the summer, with Ilestedt becoming first-choice as Wubben-Moy’s partner at the back whilst Williamson recovered.
In just a few months, Wubben-Moy has adjusted from playing on the right of a back three to playing on the left of Ilestedt, or Codina in a back four.
In an ever-changing Arsenal defence, there is no shortage of experienced characters, but it is Wubben-Moy who is often the loudest voice at the back.
On Saturday, Arsenal were without Williamson, Ilestedt and Emily Fox, but once again Wubben-Moy proved her value and helped restrict an in-form Manchester United side to nothing more than a consolation goal in the 96th minute.
United’s Alessia Russo replacement Geyse was kept under lock and key by Wubben-Moy, who passed the ball accurately out from the back and was aggressive but not reckless in her tackling.
Despite proving to be an ever-improving figure in Arsenal’s defence, the 25-year-old has been capped just ten times by England at senior level since making her debut in February 2021.
Wubben-Moy was a reserve player in Team GB’s Olympic Squad in 2021, before being called up to both the European Championships and World Cup, but not making an appearance in either tournament.
Understandably, Sarina Wiegman has no shortage of centre-back options, so Wubben-Moy has bided her time patiently. With Williamson injured, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright and Jess Carter formed England’s back three at the World Cup, with Esme Morgan and Niamh Charles called upon from the bench if needed.
However, upcoming friendlies against Austria and Italy should present Wiegman with the perfect opportunity to hand Wubben-Moy some game time for the Lionesses.
Williamson has been forced to drop out of the squad due to a hamstring injury, and Millie Bright also remains sidelined. Wiegman will be able to rotate her squad for both fixtures, surely affording a start for Wubben-Moy in at least one of the matches.
The Arsenal centre-back offers England a calm presence who is confident at progressing the ball and is constantly improving as a one-on-one defender. Wubben-Moy’s versatility should also serve her well for the Lionesses.
England take on Austria on Friday, February 23, before taking on Italy four days later in the sunshine of Algeciras, Andalusia.
Arsenal fans have been knocking on Sarina Wiegman’s door on behalf of Wubben-Moy for a good while now. Will the England manager answer?
— Lotte (@lottewubbenmoy) February 19, 2024
