Arsenal Women: Vivianne Miedema one of the best

There’s a lot of debate and discussion surrounding women’s football, but Arsenal and Holland phenom Vivianne Miedema makes things simple. She really is one of the best.

When the Champions League games come around, I make a concerted effort to watch. They provide you with an opportunity to watch some of the world’s best players. I have now found myself doing the same thing with Arsenal Women and Vivianne Miedema.

Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — The Big Season Review

Admittedly, I only began to take a real interest in women’s football at the beginning of last season. My international exchange year at the University of Oklahoma was a major contributor to this change as the university did not have a competitive men’s side.

Nonetheless, I remember Arsenal legends such as Emma Byrne, Faye White, Alex Scott, Rachel Yankey, Karen Carney, and Kelly Smith winning the quadruple in 2007. I did not appreciate the greatness of that group, but I am now old enough to appreciate elite ability, ability which Miedema has in abundance.

Last season’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year, the 22-year-old is a deadly finisher. She scored 22 league goals last season, breaking the league record for most goals in a single season in January, and helped Arsenal Women secure their first Super League title since 2012. She poses an aerial threat, can pick a pass, has quick feet, exemplary movement, and composure and technique that leave you in awe. She recently became the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands women’s team and her career goalscoring record speaks for itself.

Some players are just better than the rest. Despite her recent struggles, you can tell that Fran Kirby is a creative genius. You do not want to mess with Steph Houghton. And you do not want to give Vivianne Miedema a yard. With the young phenom leading the line for the foreseeable future, Arsenal Women look primed to become a major force in European football again.

The Arsenal Women’s team were a joy to watch last season, and I would highly encourage supporters to watch them regardless of whether the Dutch goal machine is playing. However, if you do get the chance to watch Vivianne Miedema, know that you are in the presence of excellence. You are watching one of the greatest of all-time.